ESTONIA

Early day motion 827, tabled 24 February 1998 by Lembit Öpik (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 53 members.

That this House notes the importance of the 80th anniversary of Estonian independence on 24th February; welcomes the decision to include Estonia in the first wave of European Union enlargement negotiations, due to start under the UK Presidency of the European Union in April 1998; notes that Tallinn, the capital, is a thriving city with a successful stock market, banking, business and insurance sectors, is a growing tourist destination and presents increasing opportunities for British business investment; notes the positive efforts made by Tallinn City Council to prepare for membership of the European Union and to promote the inclusion of the Russian minority; and calls on the UK Government to encourage British investment in Estonia and the UK's relations with Estonia.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 19, Labour 17, Conservative 7, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3, UUP 2, Independent Conservative 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.