The only area of free movement in the EU is within the Schengen area and even that has certain restrictions in places. The UK has never been a part of it and also if flying into the republic of Ireland passports are frequently checked.
Free movement is perhaps a misnomer. There is a world of difference between an entitlement to move within an area and a further entitlement to move without checking of any documents.
There would seem to be considerable confusion here. Is this because of little englanders posting, who have not been abroad?