Migrants who want to marry a Briton must pass English test

[joeluke]

http://www.dailymail....ass-English-test.html

What about all the Britons who can't even speak proper English? Shouldn't they have to pass a test first too?

I isn't spouting fiction now, Is I?

Innit

[Count-A-Strong]

A test to do what?

[joeluke]

Speak English

[Count-A-Strong]

Oh. (?).

[Sqad]

"Proper English?"....the object of a language is to communicate and if "Proper English" uses words that are not understood by all, than clearly the object fails. To make oneself understood is the prime aim...surely.

[DrFilth]

give em a pint of heineken

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz9_YfIQaz4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz9_YfIQaz4

[jednbutter]

Spoken English should be the first thing a kid learns at school, so forget about all the politically correct *** and teach the kids our nations language.ENGLISH.

[ummmm]

I think you'll find they do teach English. They must do. I have 2 o levels in it.

[modeller]

There is a big difference between speaking a language and understanding or reading it.
We have all overheard conversations in English which may as well have been in Aztec for all the sense it made. Anyone who has made a call to call centres knows what I'm talking about .

[123everton]

The policy itself is from the previous government, it's just been brought forward.
Personally, I think it's a good policy, but, the point being made is pertinent.
I have a broad scouse accent, I have many many friends from foreign countries, i have to remember to talk slightly differently for them to understand me.
Guilty as charged, can the government please deport me to the Bahamas.

[jednbutter]

modeller ,,same thing here, we know a kid who has perfect writing skills and reads well but he will not speak a word of English, he will only talk in his native language and says its down to him having no respect for our country and all he wants to do is go back to Pakistan and become an English teacher.
The guy is at my local college and the tutors make no effort for him to speak in English, the guy is taking the P....Big time.

[rov1200]

Why don't they just send them all to Milton Keynes where 100 mother tongues are spoken. They are even looking for more interpreters.

http://www.dailymail....4-mother-tongues.html

[modeller]

My neighbour works in a police department and she tells me they have to pay out £200k
every year for interpreters. These are for people who have been in this country for many years and can't or won't speak English.

[Zeuhl]

So will all the Brits who live in France and Spain and 'can't or won't' speak those languages have to come back?

[hev]

The Revenue and Customs provide translators on their phone lines at £50-£75 per call and believe me there are a lot of calls that need translating!!

[B00]

"So will all the Brits who live in France and Spain and 'can't or won't' speak those languages have to come back?"

I think you'll find that those Expats wont largely be wanting to claim any of their hosts nations benefits. Im willing to bet if they did they'd have to learn at least a smattering of the language!

[Bobbisox]

wont..modeller, I think

[dothawkes31]

they already have to pass a test to obtain British Nationality, it's the Life In The UK test.
http://www.lifeintheu...mlsite/taking_10.html

[jake-the-peg]

They'll give the Welsh assembly Ideas you realise!

[Old_Geezer]

What they do in France & Spain is up to the French and Spanish authorities.

Given that a sensible ban on immigration is unlikely; personally I'd prefer to be more relaxed about it, and allow folk to learn once they got here. But it seems past experience suggests many get here and never make the attempt to integrate, but wish to have a piece of this country effectively a small version of their own.

This is just not on. If you truly wish to become part of this country rather than a temporary visitor, you should should take steps to do so properly. One's not asking for an abandonment of all previous culture/religion, but there are limits; and the need to communicate effectively with your fellow citizens, without relying on the authorities providing interpreters for years to come, is vital.