Foreign Secretary Jack Straw pointed out that Britain was alone amongst the bigger EU members in offering a "concession" of allowing eastern European workers to work in Britain after the EU expansion, suggesting a six-month delay to avoid potential issues.
John Prescott, the then-deputy prime minister, expressed concern about the influx of workers, fearing they would resort to overcrowded housing in poor conditions if they couldn't find decent accommodation.
Home Secretary David Blunkett countered the concerns by emphasizing the need for economic flexibility and productivity, arguing that new eastern European workers would significantly benefit the UK economy.
The release of these files after 20 years reveals the internal debates among UK ministers regarding employment rights for new EU workers, highlighting the tensions between economic benefit and social concerns.
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