We will block benefits to new EU migrants, says Cameron Ministers have also said that migrants whose English is judged to be so poor that they would struggle to find work in Britain could be denied benefits. The Government has signalled a drive to overhaul the EU's freedom of movement rules that have allowed hundreds of thousands of European nationals to live and work in the UK. It comes amid growing Conservative concerns over the rise of the UK Independence Party, which is firmly opposed to allowing unrestricted immigration from the EU. "The hard-working British public are rightly concerned that migrants do not come here to exploit our public services and our benefits system," Mr Cameron said. "As part of our long-term plan for the economy, we are taking direct action to fix the welfare and immigration systems so we end the 'something for nothing culture" and deliver for people who play by the rules." The Prime Minister added: "Accelerating the start of these new restrictions will make the UK a less attractive place for EU migrants who want to come here and try to live off the state. I want to send the clear message that whilst Britain is very much open for business, we will not welcome people who don't want to contribute. European migrants who want to claim benefits will have to pass a new "minimum earnings threshold," which will establish how much they are likely to earn in Britain. New arrivals found to be begging or sleeping rough will be thrown out of the country and barred from returning for a year, unless they have a job. The proposed changes to the welfare rules have put the Government on a collision course with the European Commission. László Andor, the Hungarian European Union Commissioner, last week accused Mr Cameron of behaving "irresponsibly" and "legitimising xenophobia" with his "rhetoric" on immigration. Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, has claimed that leaked proposals from the Home Office to cap the number of immigrants from the EU are illegal.