The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

IMMIGRANTS from European Union member states can now claim Irish social welfare benefits if they lose their jobs.

The Irish Government had tried to deny immigrants the payments under legislation introduced in 2004 ahead of EU enlargement.

The legislation said migrants had to live in Ireland for two years before they became eligible for welfare assistance.

But now the EU Commission has overturned the move. It said the legislation was unfair and flew in the face of EU principles which state every citizen is equal no matter where they are in the European Union.