Ministers move to block new influx of migrants

The Government is preparing emergency plans to combat an influx of immigrant workers from eastern Europe.

Proposals have emerged for the banning and even deportation of people from 10 new countries that are about to join the European Union - if too many arrive. The move comes amid fears of large numbers coming to Britain after 1 May, when they gain the right to live and work freely in the country.

Until now the Government has gone out of its way to welcome potential new arrivals. But it has drawn up plans in the light of mounting political pressure, and concerns that hundreds of thousands of "bene-fit tourists" could descend on Britain. Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Cyprus and Malta will all become full members of the EU on 1 May, bringing 74 million more people into the Union.

Britain and Ireland are the only existing member states that are immediately giving new EU citizens full residence and work rights. The others are imposing immigration bans of between two and seven years.

The change of tack was slipped out by junior Foreign Office Minister Denis MacShane in an answer to MPs' questions. He wrote: "The Government will be monitoring the effect of the free movement of workers on the UK labour market and in the unexpected event of a large influx of workers to the UK, which threatens the level of employment or standard of living in a particular region or occupation, it would re-impose restrictions."

The statement comes amid confusion over Government policy. Last week Tony Blair said he would bring in measures to prevent benefit tourism.

But on Monday Home Secretary David Blunkett attacked critics of the new immigrants' right to work, saying: "Employment is welcome because it is better to have it legally than illegally. The countries that have said they will delay the right to work are those that are most likely to face clandestine working and entry."

Changes to the Government's plan now would not break European law but would need emergency legislation and could be challenged in British courts, especially if there are attempts to deport people after letting them in. The numbers that will actually move to Britain are a mystery. The Home Office says the figure should be small, while anti-immigration groups claim it will be millions over 10 years. Neither side can draw on official figures to back its case.