Bromsgrove MP reiterates view that more migrants should learn English - The Bromsgrove Standard

Bromsgrove MP reiterates view that more migrants should learn English

Bromsgrove Editorial 23rd May, 2014 Updated: 17th Oct, 2016   0

BROMSGROVE MP Sajid Javid grabbed some national headlines this week when he called for migrants moving to the UK to respect the way of life, adding they should, at least learn how to speak the language as well.

It came about as he gave an interview to a national newspaper ahead of yesterday’s European elections and the subject of immigration came up.

Speaking to The Standard, Mr Javid, who became the first Asian male to be included in the cabinet when he was made the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said it was a point he had made many times before.

“When it comes to immigration, people who come to Britain and settle should respect the way of life here and that includes trying to learn English.




“I have met people who settled here 50 years ago, still cannot speak English and won’t even try.

“If you do not try to learn the language, how are you going to make the most of your new home country and make a contribution to it?


“Some people say it’s hard to learn a language – of course it is – but people need to try.

“If someone has been here for 50 years and still cannot speak English, they probably have not tried.”

Labour MP Keith Vaz, the chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, is reported as saying in response that it was a Labour government which introduced the English language tests for those who wanted to stay in the UK and Mr Javid’s comments were nothing new.

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