David Cameron's keynote speech on Immigration

David Cameron acknowledged in a keynote speech on immigration today that the "country has benefitted immeasurably from immigration and that immigrants make a huge contribution to Britain. We recognise that – and we welcome it" He went on to say that "Real communities are bound by common experiences...forged by friendship and conversation...knitted together by all the rituals of the neighbourhood, from the school run to the chat down the pub. And these bonds can take time. So real integration takes time." NATECLA asks why then has his government cut funding and courses for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) if as he says immigrants should learn English. The impact of these funding cuts is to jeopardise all the work that has been built up over the years in producing good quality and well-resourced provision and a trained workforce. If the government truly wants people to integrate then language is the key. ESOL learners are keen to learn the language and integrate into society but in order to do this they need programmes that enable them to do so. ESOL has seen a cut of 32% in funding in the last two years. The Association of Colleges says that the cuts to funding will result in around 100,000, three-quarters of whom are women, being hit with fees of £400-£1,200 for ESOL classes - charges that they simply cannot afford. Patricia Sullivan, Chair of NATECLA said we believe all adults who wish to improve their English language skills should have access to affordable, high quality language courses. Anger over English lesson funding cuts. Teachers say government rules mean fewer immigrants will be able to afford ESOL classes they have been told to take. Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/apr/14/english-lessons-funding-immigrants David Cameron's speech http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/apr/14/david-cameron-immigrants-learn-english?CMP=twt_iph Comment from NIACE http://www.niace.org.uk/news/esol-courses-promote-integration?src=fp1st-more

External Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/apr/14/david-cameron-immigration-speech-full-text