Long before multiculturalism ever became mainstreamed, people immigrating to the US, UK and other English speaking countries WANTED to learn the language of their new country.
Migrants should have to learn English, say MPs and peers
Migrants should be expected to learn English before coming to the UK, or attend language classes when they arrive, a group of MPs and peers says.
The cross-party group said speaking English was “the key to full participation in our society and economy”.
They also said ministers should consider letting different parts of the UK set their own immigration policy.
The government said it was spending £20m on English language provision.
‘Meaningful engagement’
Last month a report by Dame Louise Casey warned of “worrying” levels of segregation in some areas and called for more English classes for isolated groups.
The report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Social Integration urges the government to go further, saying all immigrants should have either learnt English before coming to the UK or be required to sign up to classes when they arrive.
The group said integration should begin upon arrival in the UK and described speaking English as a “prerequisite for meaningful engagement with most British people”.
