Before arriving in the Britain, migrants must be able to speak a basic level of English to enter the United Kingdom or be forced to attend English language classes upon arrival, a group of MPs has stated today. The cross-party group stated that migrants having basic English language capabilities will help promote "full participation in our society and economy".
A change of tack
In December 2016, a report published by Dame Louise Carey warned that many communities in the United Kingdom, particularly in larger cities in England, were becoming more segregated due to language barriers.
According to the cross party group, local governments should be responsible for setting community quotas to prevent social segregation, arguing that substituting the current model will promote "more positive discourse surrounding the topic of Immigration". Furthermore, the report suggests that speaking English should be a "prerequisite for meaningful engagement with British people".
Labour MP Chuka Umunna, MP for Streatham, said that social integration was a "two way street in which both migrants and British people are responsible for making function. By ensuring all migrants possess basic English speaking skills, we can instill confidence among migrant skeptic members of the public. It is abundantly clear that immigration has vastly altered communities across the UK.
In many ways, these changes have alarmed many. It is incumbent on the government to address issues surrounding integration and detoxify the debate surrounding the subject of immigration".
Although a clear model has yet to be outlined by Theresa May's government despite her notes being recently leaked, one of the key issues in Brexit discourse was immigration.
After Britain voted leave in June, the government has promised to implement greater controls on migration from the European Union. Currently, net migration is above the government's yearly target of 100,000.
Canadian success
The cross-party group of MPs highlighted the success of a similar approach to immigration in Canada. In Canada, provincial governments are responsible for setting regional requirements for migrants. Umunna said: "The Canadian model has proven incredibly successful in promoting social integration".
