WHEN Britain achieves one of its long-standing foreign policy goals, you might think it would be a time for widespread celebration. But there are some who seem to think that tomorrow's historic expansion of the European Union to include ten new members is something to criticise. I find this deeply puzzling.

There has been no greater supporter of the enlargement process than Britain. Both this Labour Government and the previous Conservative administration championed it and, on occasions, pushed slightly more reluctant partners into speeding up the negotiations.

We have also worked hard both up front and behind the scenes to help the accession countries along the path towards membership. They have overcome immense challenges to get themselves ready for this. The achievement is their own, but in Britain we can take pride in what we have done to support them politically and practically.

We have championed their cause from the start because we believed strongly that welcoming the new members into the EU fold would be good for the accession countries themselves, good for Europe as a whole and, above all, good for Britain. Nothing has happened to alter this view.

There has been considerable focus on the implications for immigration. As I said on Tuesday, no one will be able to come from the new accession countries to Britain simply to claim benefits. No one will be eligible for help with housing unless they are economically active. But just as I am determined to crack down on abuse, I am equally determined that we continue to welcome those whose skills, talents and energy we need. To fail to do so would be damaging for our economy and against our national interest.

It would be a mistake to reduce this historic event to a single issue. It was always in our national interest to support enthusiastically the accession of the ten countries for a wealth of reasons. The benefits are obvious, including a stable, united and free Europe. Enlargement heals the divisions of the Cold War and guarantees freedom and democracy in countries which for so long had neither.

It creates an expanded market of 450 million consumers which will increase prosperity, trade, investment and jobs throughout the enlarged Europe. Britain's trade with the eight largest new members has already doubled within the past decade. I believe, too, that the accession tomorrow will be a catalyst for change within the EU, helping to give a new push to Britain's agenda and fresh impetus to priorities which are already in the ascendancy in Europe.

Britain, of course, has strong ties at all levels with the accession states and their peoples, forged in many cases through our shared sacrifice. English is the second language in most of these countries. Importantly, we also share the same vision for Europe's future direction.

It should be no surprise that countries which have only recently regained their freedom should be determined to preserve this independence within the EU. Having just escaped from the deadhand of communism, they share the British view that their future prosperity rests on a liberal, competitive economy. They are also keenly aware of the role that the United States has played in helping them to achieve their freedom and are determined to maintain its partnership with the EU.

For all these reasons, I am convinced that the decision of successive British governments to push for enlargement will be seen as the right one for our country. I believe that the new members will help us ensure Europe is ready to meet the difficult challenges of the future.

We need a Europe ready to change to meet the challenges of globalisation — a Europe with a strong social dimension but not one with rules so rigid that it costs jobs rather than creates them. We need a Europe which can compete globally successfully and fairly, so we need to complete the single market and overhaul the Common Agricultural Policy so that it is better for farmers, consumers, the environment and the developing world.

We need a Europe dedicated to working with all our allies to combat the threat of global terrorism and to protect our freedoms and way of life. That is best achieved by preserving and strengthening the transatlantic alliance. Europe is strongest and most effective as America's partner, not its rival or servant.

On all these areas, the new members will have different points of view. We should not make the mistake of lumping them together. They will be as determined to fight for their own national interests as the existing members have done for their citizens. But in each area, too, I am confident that there will be a general shared view and vision between ourselves and the new member countries — and that can only be good for Britain.

If Europe's expansion throws up problems we can and will deal with them. But for every disadvantage, there will be many benefits. Tomorrow's expansion of the EU to the East and South is good for Europe and good for Britain. Good for our security, for our jobs and prosperity.

This weekend we should send a clear message to the ten new EU members: Britain will be your allies and partners in making the new Europe work, just as were proud to be on your side as you worked towards EU membership. And we in Britain should be celebrating our role in this historic achievement.

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