http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=573&u=/nm/20030903/od_nm/immigration_dc&printer=1
Facing a 'Britishness' Test??
LONDON (Reuters) - Immigrants to Britain might have to demonstrate English language skills and their "Britishness" to gain citizenship, the government said Wednesday.
"Life in the United Kingdom," a report which recommends the tests, comes as the government tries to calm fears that the country is becoming swamped with asylum seekers and illegal immigrants.
"The new requirements are to be seen not as a new hurdle but as a much needed entitlement," said the government-commissioned report. "Those who become British citizens should … have a sense of belonging to a wider community."
The concept of citizenship tests have been a controversial issue in Britain ever since Norman Tebbit, a leading lieutenant of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, notoriously suggested a "cricket test," under which immigrants could only be classified as British if they cheered for the England cricket team
Over 100,000 would take the new tests each year, under the new proposals. Those failing would not be asked to leave, but they would be refused a British passport or the right to vote, said Sir Bernard Crick, who chaired the group behind the report.
"We are trying to ensure people are capable of integrating in society," Home Secretary David Blunkett told BBC radio. "How can you build a cohesive society if people can't communicate?"
The government has pledged to halve the number of asylum claims within the space of a year. It has until October to meet that pledge.
Last year, Britain topped the European league with 103,000 claimants, a 20 percent rise year on year.
The report group rejected suggestions that immigrants be coached in British history, instead opting for British democracy; multiculturalism; legal rights and employment opportunities.
Facing a 'Britishness' Test??
LONDON (Reuters) - Immigrants to Britain might have to demonstrate English language skills and their "Britishness" to gain citizenship, the government said Wednesday.
"Life in the United Kingdom," a report which recommends the tests, comes as the government tries to calm fears that the country is becoming swamped with asylum seekers and illegal immigrants.
"The new requirements are to be seen not as a new hurdle but as a much needed entitlement," said the government-commissioned report. "Those who become British citizens should … have a sense of belonging to a wider community."
The concept of citizenship tests have been a controversial issue in Britain ever since Norman Tebbit, a leading lieutenant of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, notoriously suggested a "cricket test," under which immigrants could only be classified as British if they cheered for the England cricket team
Over 100,000 would take the new tests each year, under the new proposals. Those failing would not be asked to leave, but they would be refused a British passport or the right to vote, said Sir Bernard Crick, who chaired the group behind the report.
"We are trying to ensure people are capable of integrating in society," Home Secretary David Blunkett told BBC radio. "How can you build a cohesive society if people can't communicate?"
The government has pledged to halve the number of asylum claims within the space of a year. It has until October to meet that pledge.
Last year, Britain topped the European league with 103,000 claimants, a 20 percent rise year on year.
The report group rejected suggestions that immigrants be coached in British history, instead opting for British democracy; multiculturalism; legal rights and employment opportunities.