§ Lord Marlesfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have made any estimates of the number of Roma people who may seek to enter the 109WA United Kingdom following the enlargement of the European Union on 1 May 2004; and whether they have made any contingency plans for the reception and accommodation of these immigrants. [HL2423]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThe published estimates of numbers likely to travel to the United Kingdom from the new members of the European Union after 1 May do not distinguish between Roma and others.
The Government have not made contingency plans for the reception of Roma or any other migrants from those countries. We have made very clear, particularly through information campaigns in the countries concerned, that those coming to this country from the accession states must be able to support themselves. There will be no special assistance given to them.