UK opens door to new European workers

More
staff from Eastern Europe will soon be given free access to work in the UK
after the treaty to enlarge the European Union was given Royal assent.

The
European Union (Accessions) Act 2003, which was signed in Athens earlier this
year, will open up the UK labour market to citizens of the new EU member
states.

The
Government claims the enlargement will be good for trade and investment,
increasing prosperity and enhancing the benefits of a single market.

Foreign
minister Jack Straw said the move would also help end the continents’ post-war
divisions and conflicts.

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"The
enactment of this law brings next year’s enlargement one step closer. Through
this law, Parliament and the British people have made clear that they fully
support the accession of 10 new member states and welcome them as equal
partners," he added.

By Ross Wigham