Monday, June 16, 2014

Albanians could be on their way to Britain as David Cameron to agree EU move

MORE than three million Albanians could be free to move over to Britain after David Cameron backed plans for the country to join the European Union.

 Albania, EU, European Union, European Commission, David Cameron, president, Jean-Claude Juncker, Angela MerkelGovernment would back Albania's plans to enter EU[GETTY]
Despite Cameron previously saying he didn't want poorer nations to join the EU, Government sources have confirmed Britain would back Albania's campaign to gain "candidate" status in a vote next week.
It comes after fresh unrest over Mr Cameron's pledge to get a grip on Europe.
Mr Cameron has previously said he wants EU rules in place to block movement from new EU countries until their average income is in line with western European nations.
During the last census, Albania had a population of 2,931,977, currently 17 per cent of whom are unemployed. The average monthly wage is £305.
 Albania, EU, European Union, European Commission, David Cameron, president, Jean-Claude Juncker, Angela MerkelSupporters of the Albanian opposition protest in front of the Parliament building in Tirana in May [AFP/GETTY]
Peter Bone, former chairman of the all-party group on human trafficking told The Sunday Times: "If we are serious about renegotiation this would be a good time to make a stand. I would not welcome additional countries having free movement into this country.
"I think that's what the prime minister believes as well. But if he does, how can he possibly agree with this arrangement?"
I would not welcome additional countries having free movement into this country
Peter Bone
It comes as restless Tories have said Britain has no chance of reforming the EU if it can't stop a pro-Europe force from becoming president of the European Commission.
Rebel Tory MEPs hoping to block Jean-Claude Juncker from becoming president, have raised fears over David Cameron's ability to stop him.
 Albania, EU, European Union, European Commission, David Cameron, president, Jean-Claude Juncker, Angela MerkelEuropean Commission presidential candidate Jean-Claude Juncker [AFP/GETTY]
The former prime minister for Luxembourg is in favour of even closer union and looks in line for the presidential position.
Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, is in favour of Mr Junker taking the leading role, but David Cameron needs her support to be able to force through change in the European Union and regain some powers.
Senior Conservatives have told Mr Cameron he must threaten to leave the EU if he doesn't get his way.
A Tory source told The Sunday Telegraph: "If David Cameron can't stop Junker how can we convince the public that he can deliver any meaningful reform in the renegotiation?"

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