Press Release

8 November 2006

Paice Welcomes Restrictions On Migrant Workers

Tighter border controls and effective enforcement must be part of the package, says MP

South East Cambridgeshire MP Jim Paice has welcomed the announcement that limits will be placed on the number of workers from Romania and Bulgaria following the next round of European enlargement, but has warned that the black market will benefit unless the rules are effectively enforced. 

Mr Paice said: “I welcome these new measures but it will be the black market that benefits unless effective enforcement and tighter border controls are part of the package. 

“After the Government got its figures so wrong before the last enlargement – when over half a million more people than expected entered the country – I am pleased that ministers have learnt from their mistakes and will impose certain restrictions on migrant workers. 

“It is important that we continue to allow in those with the skills to benefit our economy and for seasonal agricultural work, but to safeguard the provision of housing and public services there is a clear case for ending the ‘open door’ policy which is putting many local authorities under increasing strain.”