News Release

26th March 2003

FABRICANT QUESTIONS FOREIGN OFFICE ON COST OF EUROPEAN UNION

Michael Fabricant questioned the Minister for Europe, Dennis MacShane, yesterday (25th March) in the House of Commons on the likely increased cost to Britain of eastern European countries joining the European Union. Michael asked in the Chamber of the House of Commons during Questions to the Foreign Secretary:-

"Over the weekend the French newspaper, Le Figaro, reported further critical attacks on Britain by Mr. Chirac, but the Government are right to try to strengthen ties with not just the old but the new Europe. What, though, will be the cost of United Kingdom membership of the new expanded European Union of 25 states that the Minister mentioned a few moments ago? Has the Foreign Office conducted any analysis? Is he aware that the United States Government believe that, taking into account indirect costs, that cost could be as high as £30 billion a year-equivalent to about 80 new hospitals being opened in Britain every year? Has the Foreign Office conducted such an analysis, and if not will it do so?"

The Minister replied that an analysis has been conducted. Michael Fabricant is now formally asking the Foreign Office to release the document and publish its conclusions and the calculations it used to reach those conclusions.

Michael now says: "This is not a remote or vague issue. If the Americans are right and EU membership is costing our country jobs and wealth, this affects everyone in Lichfield and Burntwood by reducing health services, police numbers, and pensions. This information must be made public. It has been kept secret for too long."