EU: Turkey

Lord Judd
asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their position on the accession of Turkey to the European Union.[HL532]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Triesman)
We believe that the accession of Turkey is of immense strategic importance to the EU. Turkey is a growing, dynamic economy, it has an educated workforce and it is a close partner on many of the global issues that matter to us most—drugs, terrorism, non-proliferation and migration. Turkey would also make a significant contribution to the EU’s security capabilities and has leverage on all sides engaged in the Middle East peace process. Turkey also links Europe and the Muslim world, and accession would help to refute claims of a clash of civilisations.