UK has history, the settler better know it
2 July 2012 2:48 AM GMT
The UK has tightened its immigration policy and will now ask all immigration hopefuls to take a test on British history that the critics have said is a veiled attack on other cultures, particularly Islam. In the revised test, the aspirants will be asked about British historical figures, such as Edward Elgar. A weekly has reported that in a section on culture, new immigrants will be told for the first time that 'historically, the UK is a Christian country'.
Called Life in the UK Test, the mandatory 45-minute test was introduced by the Labour government in 2005, testing the knowledge of immigrants about history, customs and practicalities in Britain. It is a test that challenges British citizens, with many admitting that they would fail, but most immigrants clear it.
As part of moves to curb immigration, the David Cameron government is scrapping some sections and introducing new ones to include knowledge of the first verse of the national anthem and key historical facts about Britain before immigrants can settle permanently or become British citizens.
The Sunday Times reported that the home secretary Theresa May is scrapping sections on how to claim welfare payments and merits of the Human Rights Act, and including sections on knowledge of British inventions, famous battles and English poetry.
In a section seen as an 'explicit attack on Islamic fundamentalism', the draft reportedly states that there is 'no place in British society for extremism and intolerance' and provides a list of criminal offences that migrants will have to memorise.
The test in its present form has been criticised for including too much content on making claims on welfare and borrowing money. It has sections regarded by the Cameron government as irrelevant, covering 'everyday needs' such as how to read a gas meter, obtain home contents insurance and dustbin collections.
The Sunday Times reported that May and other ministers believed that such points were trivial. Their version of the test is to focus on the essentials of Britishness, including knowing the first verse of the national anthem, it said. The Home Office said: 'It's a move away from the old one – stuff on rights, practical info that has little to do with British culture – to one that is clear about responsibilities and requires people to have a grounding in our history.'
The new guide will say: 'Britain is proud of being a welcoming country but all residents, regardless of their background, are expected to comply with the law and to understand that some things which may be allowed in other legal systems are not acceptable in the UK. Those who do not respect the law should not expect to be allowed to become permanent residents in the UK.'
Called Life in the UK Test, the mandatory 45-minute test was introduced by the Labour government in 2005, testing the knowledge of immigrants about history, customs and practicalities in Britain. It is a test that challenges British citizens, with many admitting that they would fail, but most immigrants clear it.
As part of moves to curb immigration, the David Cameron government is scrapping some sections and introducing new ones to include knowledge of the first verse of the national anthem and key historical facts about Britain before immigrants can settle permanently or become British citizens.
The Sunday Times reported that the home secretary Theresa May is scrapping sections on how to claim welfare payments and merits of the Human Rights Act, and including sections on knowledge of British inventions, famous battles and English poetry.
In a section seen as an 'explicit attack on Islamic fundamentalism', the draft reportedly states that there is 'no place in British society for extremism and intolerance' and provides a list of criminal offences that migrants will have to memorise.
The test in its present form has been criticised for including too much content on making claims on welfare and borrowing money. It has sections regarded by the Cameron government as irrelevant, covering 'everyday needs' such as how to read a gas meter, obtain home contents insurance and dustbin collections.
The Sunday Times reported that May and other ministers believed that such points were trivial. Their version of the test is to focus on the essentials of Britishness, including knowing the first verse of the national anthem, it said. The Home Office said: 'It's a move away from the old one – stuff on rights, practical info that has little to do with British culture – to one that is clear about responsibilities and requires people to have a grounding in our history.'
The new guide will say: 'Britain is proud of being a welcoming country but all residents, regardless of their background, are expected to comply with the law and to understand that some things which may be allowed in other legal systems are not acceptable in the UK. Those who do not respect the law should not expect to be allowed to become permanent residents in the UK.'
Next Story
