Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Migrants will need higher standard of English to stay in UK: Report

A white paper expected next week will outline that those applying for a UK work visa must show a more advanced level of English, with the aim of improving integration and reducing net migration.

english uk

Currently, the requirement is equivalent to a GCSE-level qualification in English as a foreign language.

iStock

MIGRANTS coming to the UK will be required to meet a higher standard of English as part of Labour’s planned immigration reforms, according to a report.

A white paper expected next week will outline that those applying for a UK work visa must show a more advanced level of English, with the aim of improving integration and reducing net migration, The Times reported.


Currently, the requirement is equivalent to a GCSE-level qualification in English as a foreign language. The proposed change would raise the standard to a B2 level, roughly equivalent to A-level.

According to the Home Office, this level means migrants must be able to express themselves “fluently and spontaneously” and communicate “flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.” They must also be able to produce detailed text on complex subjects.

The white paper will also include rules to ensure that all migrants prove their knowledge of English, with successful asylum seekers expected to meet the standard after five years to qualify for permanent settlement. Migrants will be told that “if you want to come here, you must contribute and integrate,” a government source told The Times.

The reforms are also expected to require migrants to show alignment with British values such as democracy and tolerance, though how this will be tested is unclear.

Employers will be banned from hiring foreign workers if they fail to invest in training British staff.

Sectors like engineering, IT and construction will need to show domestic skills development, such as increasing apprenticeships, or risk losing their visa sponsor licences.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticised the plans, calling them a “cosmetic announcement” and said Labour should support Conservative proposals including a migration cap and raising salary thresholds.

More For You

Minister 'open to talks' on British Sikh regiment

Lord Coaker (Photo: UK Parliament)

Minister 'open to talks' on British Sikh regiment

A FRESH parliamentary initiative to establish a dedicated Sikh regiment within the British Army has gained momentum in the House of Lords, with defence minister Lord Coaker expressing willingness to engage in further discussions about the long-debated proposal.

The issue was raised in the House of Lords on Monday (7) by Labour peer Lord Sahota, who asked whether there had been any progress on long-standing calls for a Sikh regiment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heatwave Alert: Don’t Leave Contraceptives or Medication in Cars

Heat can also damage everyday items like sunglasses, suncream and vape devices

iStock

Drivers warned to remove contraceptives and medication from cars during UK heatwave

Highlights:

  • Experts urge motorists to avoid leaving certain items in vehicles during upcoming heatwave
  • Temperatures expected to rise above 30°C across large parts of the UK
  • Contraceptives and common medications can lose effectiveness in high heat
  • Heat can also damage everyday items like sunglasses, suncream and vape devices

Drivers urged to act as UK braces for extended heatwave

Drivers across the UK are being urged to remove a range of everyday items from their cars ahead of a predicted heatwave, with experts warning that the rising temperatures could pose both safety and health risks.

The Met Office has forecast a prolonged spell of hot weather, with temperatures expected to soar into the low 30s on Thursday and Friday. Much of the UK is likely to hit its regional heatwave threshold by the weekend, with this episode potentially affecting a wider area and lasting longer than previous hot spells.

Keep ReadingShow less
Royal Mail

The Royal Mail logo is seen on the side of a van as the UK government clear a 3.57 billion pound takeover offer by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky in London, December 16, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

Ofcom updates Royal Mail delivery targets, starts pricing review

MEDIA regulator Ofcom has set new minimum delivery standards for Royal Mail and revised existing targets in an effort to reduce delays. It also announced a review into pricing and affordability, amid concerns over rising stamp prices.

Royal Mail, which has faced fines of around $20 million over the past two years for not meeting delivery targets, is currently trying to modernise operations and focus more on parcel deliveries.

Keep ReadingShow less
Doctors' strike

The doctors had previously accepted a 22 per cent pay rise covering 2023 to 2025, which brought an end to earlier rounds of strikes.

Getty Images

England's resident doctors announce five-day strike over pay dispute

JUNIOR doctors in England will go on strike from 25 to 30 July, their union said on Wednesday, after the British government said it could not meet their demand for an improved pay offer this year.

The doctors, also known as resident doctors, make up a large part of the medical workforce. They were offered an average 5.4 per cent pay rise but are seeking 29 per cent, saying this is needed to reverse years of real-terms pay erosion.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi set for UK visit to sign free trade agreement

FILE PHOTO: Keir Starmer (L) with Narendra Modi. (Photo: Getty Images)

Modi set for UK visit to sign free trade agreement

INDIA's prime minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to the UK by the end of this month for a visit that could see both sides formally sign the landmark India-UK free trade agreement and explore ways to expand bilateral ties in the defence and security sphere, diplomatic sources said.

Both sides are in the process of finalising the dates for Modi's visit to the country by the end of July or the first part of August, they said.

Keep ReadingShow less