DAVID CAMERON is preparing for a showdown with Europe amid growing fears over the impact of a looming influx of Romanians and Bulgarians into Britain.

The prime minister is ready to defy Brussels by extending dramatically the length of time that new arrivals have to stay in the country before qualifying for state hand-outs.

Under one option being seriously considered, incomers will have to prove that they have been resident in this country for a whole year — four times the current period — before they can claim benefits.

The move would be almost certain to prompt a bitter court battle with the European Commission, which bans member states from discriminating between their own citizens and other Europeans in eligibility for benefits.

Cameron is keenly