UK to force migrants to learn English?

Question

Most migrant workers in Britain will have to learn English before they settle in the country under new rules to be introduced by Gordon Brown's government.

The British prime minister is expected to outline the new rules, which are expected to slash the number of people entering Britain by at least 35,000 a year, in a speech to trade union bosses on Monday.

The changes come after Britain introduced new rules for all highly skilled migrants to learn English last December.

See link - http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/UK-to-force-migrants-to-learn-English/2007/09/09/1189276534901.html

Question - What are your thoughts ?

Answer 1

I'm lovin' it! Just a few days ago, a friend returned from the U.K. and E.U. She said the U.K. has practically cleared its streets and workplaces of illegal foreigners and that it's only a matter of time till the continent follows suit. Japan would never have allowed this nonsense. Nor would China.

In the modern world, technology is complication enough. Keeping up with foreign competitors means most of us will need to learn at least one foreign language as it is.

This absurd unwritten assumption that "Spanish" is synonymous with "foreign languages" is sickening. There are thousands of languages. Requiring EVERY citizen to learn a language that'll never benefit our economy before they can concentrate on learning one that MIGHT help... just a CRIME!

See this on immigration. I was STUNNED!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7WJeqxuOfQ


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Answer 2

This may be happening because the UK translates everything into about 27 different languages and laws often require translators to be available in various civil situations (hospital visits, courts, etc.). Somebody probably added up the numbers and fainted from the millions of pounds it is costing the UK.

I could understand if they translated for one other language, but for over two dozen? Bit silly they do it in the first place.

Answer 3

At least Gordon Brown has got one thing right. (I never thought that would happen!)

Our national language is British English, there is a saying "when in Rome do as the Romans do" So if you want to live in the UK then you should learn to adjust accordingly

Answer 4

That is a great idea we defiantly could use that kind of thinking in our nation. Only the government we currently have has seen fit that the people have no say so and their attitude is they don't care about the future just what they can rape out of the system presently. I wish we could do that in our country though.

Answer 5

You are right they should learn English before they even enter the country. Your street signs are sometimes is a foreign language. How far does the UK and America go to accommodate these one armed dead beats?, that bleed the system.

Answer 6

I totally agree with it...........I recently visited my country of birth (England) and had difficulty hiring a car as the attendent did not understand English!

I believe you must have a basic understanding of the language if you intend to function in and contribute to the society and I think that is what they are trying to eliminate......the freeloaders who just claim state benefits , do not work and drain the national resources.

In addition, England could do more to teach alternative languagaes at schools as we are the worst in Europe for language skills.

Answer 7

I think that to function in society you must speak its language, the British govenrment pays millions each year for translators in hospitals and schools so really we pay taxes for ourselves and people from other countries.... how can this be fair? They always try to keep the working man down and privledges are never given to those who deserve them the most but to people who shouldnt have any right of our money in the first place.

Answer 8

Let us hope that the next President of the United States have the same idea. We need Gordon Brown over here.

Answer 9

If only the US government would follow your lead! It's the only RIGHT thing to do for the citizens of a country. TWO THUMBS UP!!

Answer 10

I think the U.S. should adopt a similar policy in tandem with requiring all students in public education to be proficient in at least one foreign language.