THE PRESS OFFICE OF The Lord Stoddart of Swindon(Independent Labour) The Government needs a geography lesson says Peerafter Minister classifies Turkey as a ‘European state’
“The Government needs a geography lesson” according to independent Labour Peer, Lord Stoddart of Swindon. Lord Stoddart was reacting to a written reply he had received from the Government (20.10.10) in regard to the proposed admission of Turkey to the European Union.
Lord Howell, for the Government said in his reply: Article 49 of the Treaty on the European Union states that "any European State which respects the values referred to in Article 2 and is committed to promoting them may apply to become a member of the Union". He also went on to reaffirm the Government’s support for accession negotiations with Turkey.
Lord Stoddart said: “Since when is Turkey a European state? Perhaps the noble Lord and his colleagues should consult a world map. Moreover, this Government’s fervent commitment to Turkish accession, despite clear evidence that it is not eligible, is deeply worrying. Accession would give unfettered rights to 75 million Turks to come to Britain and the Government’s blithe attitude flies in the face of the very serious concerns being expressed by many of the British people about present levels of immigration, never mind adding a potentially huge new intake.
Bear in mind that by the time Turkey has gone through the accession process, its population could be as high as 83 million. If it is admitted, I would suggest that the EU would have to change its name to the Eurasian Union!” Ends The full text of Lord Stoddart’s question and the Government’s reply is as follows: EU: ExpansionHansard 20.10.10Question Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon To Ask Her Majesty's Government , further to the Written Answer by Lord Astor of Hever on 27 September (WA 409), why, in the light of Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, they are actively promoting the admission of Turkey to the European Union.[HL2516] The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Article 49 of the Treaty on the European Union states that "any European State which respects the values referred to in Article 2 and is committed to promoting them may apply to become a member of the Union". In October 2005 the European Council unanimously agreed to open EU accession negotiations with Turkey. The Government support accession negotiations with Turkey.
