Love 'em or hate 'em, much of Brown's economic 'miracle' has been built on an expansion of the economy that has only been possible because of migrant workers.

I've spoken to many employers through my work.  They often prefer to employ Poles rather than Brits, not because they are cheaper, but because they are hard working and reliable.  As a Party, we struggle to come to terms with the fact that some people in this country are reluctant to put in the work required to hold down a job.

Racism is certainly an issue for Bulgaria and Romania.  There has been little mention of the fact that Romania is home to a large population of Roma ('Gypsies') - my guess is that this is at the heart of the Government's decision, unpalatable as it may seem.