Learn English but don't cut English lessons

4.53.06pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 23rd Jul 2008

Commenting on Government proposals on integrating immigrants, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"The Liberal Democrats have introduced a law - now in force - to make forced marriage a civil wrong as the most practical way of stopping this awful practice.

"The Government's proposal to ensure people learn English is welcome, but it would be better coming from ministers who were not cutting the budget for English as a foreign language. This is a false economy, not just in terms of integrating immigrant communities but also when providing translation and other official services."