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Romanian and Bulgarian Migrants

They are, and I was painting the wider picture as to why in my view the Government have decided to retain the restrictions. I believe that another reason why the Government have decided to do that is the general fear about the number of people who came in under the A8 and A2 accession rules, which, of course, is the subject of this debate. It is shocking that, in this day and age, it is acceptable in some quarters to criticise someone on the basis of the country they came from. Any talk of British work for British people will serve only to worsen the situation. There is also, in dealing with the issue of the Romanians' and Bulgarians' restrictions, the issue of the number of British citizens who are working abroad. In 2006 EUROSTAT estimated that around 800,000 British citizens were working in the EU, outside the UK, some in Romania and Bulgaria. That is only 300,000 people fewer than the 1.1 million foreign workers in the UK and that figure does not include British workers based further afield, figures on which are not available. That serves to demonstrate not only that Britain benefits from migrants working in the UK, but that British people benefit from the agreements that allow that to happen, as it means that there is free movement of labour. The EU and the free movement of labour within it enriches our country and our citizens. It is something that we can be proud of and celebrate. Against that current backdrop and the fear about immigration, it came as no surprise to me that the Cabinet made its decision to retain the restrictions on Romania and Bulgaria. I welcome the announcement that that issue will be kept under constant review through various methods, including the migration impacts forum, of which my hon. Friend the Minister is a co-chair. Another decision on that issue will be taken, I understand, at the end of next year. In the meantime, it is vital that we look at the broader issue of immigration and have a sensible debate on the real factors that will make a positive difference to this country. This Government have continually welcomed the skills and hard work that migrants bring to the country and have a proud history of integration. We have the best economy in Europe, achieved under the skilled leadership of the Prime Minister. The accession of Romania and Bulgaria is simply the next step and, with improvements in the process of immigration, I am certain that, within the next few years, Romanian and Bulgarian citizens will be welcomed with full working rights. All I ask is that we let the process begin.