Speaking today at a lobby of Parliament over funding cuts to English language classes, the Liberal Democrats attacked the Government for a complete lack of joined-up thinking.
Commenting on the changes to English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, Liberal Democrat Further Education Spokesperson and MP for Bristol West, Stephen Williams said:
"The Government is cutting what appears to be a great success story which has allowed thousands of people to learn English. The Government's own Social Cohesion Report last week said that
learning English was vital for integration and harmonious communities. Gordon Brown is keen to talk about British values. How can anyone take part in British democracy or understand Britain's role in the world if they can't speak our language."
"The Government spends over £200m per year on translation services. Cutting English language teaching is a false economy if ever there was one. English is the currency of life in our country and the wider world. You can exchange it for work, for education and for a full and successful life in Britain."
