Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants to be restricted

Entry to the UK by Romanians and Bulgarians is likely to be restricted if they join the European Union next year, Home Secretary John Reid said today.

Mr Reid said immigration from the two countries would need to be "carefully managed".

It was the strongest indication so far from the Government that nationals of the two Eastern European states will not be granted the same unrestricted access as residents of other former Communist states which joined the EU in May 2004.