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04/09/2003
Immigrants could soon sit test on ‘Britishness’
Proposals unveiled by Home Secretary David Blunkett could see immigrants in the UK having to undergo a test of their “Britishness”.
If implemented, the proposals from an independent report recommend compulsory examinations based on free short courses to ensure all new citizens can speak English and have an understanding of UK institutions.
In order to qualify for citizenship, applicants must have lived in the country for five years - three years if married to a British citizen - without committing any serious offence. Prospective citizens will also be required to have an adequate knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic.
Home Secretary David Blunkett welcomed the report as a “substantial contribution to getting the balance right” and said that the government would make a detailed response.
He said: "I want to encourage people who are permanently settled in this country to apply for citizenship here. In common with people in this country from many different cultural backgrounds, I think being British is something to be proud of - the common values that bind us together as a nation should be celebrated.
"Citizenship brings responsibilities as well as rights and it is important that new citizens understand and respect the UK culture and its laws."
The report has also advised that a "Living in the United Kingdom" handbook should be produced for new immigrants which would be based on a course and include a short historical introduction about the UK.
The final report in the Life in the United Kingdom group, chaired by Sir Bernard Crick, suggests that the citizenship curriculum should cover six categories: British National Institutions; Britain as a multicultural society; basic British law; employment; sources of help and information; and everyday needs including types of housing, ways of paying bills and what makes for good neighbours.
(SP)
If implemented, the proposals from an independent report recommend compulsory examinations based on free short courses to ensure all new citizens can speak English and have an understanding of UK institutions.
In order to qualify for citizenship, applicants must have lived in the country for five years - three years if married to a British citizen - without committing any serious offence. Prospective citizens will also be required to have an adequate knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic.
Home Secretary David Blunkett welcomed the report as a “substantial contribution to getting the balance right” and said that the government would make a detailed response.
He said: "I want to encourage people who are permanently settled in this country to apply for citizenship here. In common with people in this country from many different cultural backgrounds, I think being British is something to be proud of - the common values that bind us together as a nation should be celebrated.
"Citizenship brings responsibilities as well as rights and it is important that new citizens understand and respect the UK culture and its laws."
The report has also advised that a "Living in the United Kingdom" handbook should be produced for new immigrants which would be based on a course and include a short historical introduction about the UK.
The final report in the Life in the United Kingdom group, chaired by Sir Bernard Crick, suggests that the citizenship curriculum should cover six categories: British National Institutions; Britain as a multicultural society; basic British law; employment; sources of help and information; and everyday needs including types of housing, ways of paying bills and what makes for good neighbours.
(SP)
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31 October 2005
New UK citizenship test launched
The government has launched the new ‘Britishness test’, for foreign nationals wishing to become UK citizens. The new ‘Life in the UK’ exam, which will become compulsory from Tuesday, contains 24 multiple-choice questions about British history and culture and everyday life in the UK. The 45-minute exam costs £34 to sit.
New UK citizenship test launched
The government has launched the new ‘Britishness test’, for foreign nationals wishing to become UK citizens. The new ‘Life in the UK’ exam, which will become compulsory from Tuesday, contains 24 multiple-choice questions about British history and culture and everyday life in the UK. The 45-minute exam costs £34 to sit.
02 July 2003
Ofsted calls for better standards in citizenship
Many schools need to do more to ensure effective planning and implementation of the subject, says a report published by the Office for Standards in Education today.
Ofsted calls for better standards in citizenship
Many schools need to do more to ensure effective planning and implementation of the subject, says a report published by the Office for Standards in Education today.
25 January 2007
History to teach 'British' values
Education Secretary Alan Johnson has said that pupils need to learn history to understand "British values." In new-style classes teenagers will learn an understanding of core British values at the heart of Citizenship teaching lessons emphasising the importance of history to "Britishness".
History to teach 'British' values
Education Secretary Alan Johnson has said that pupils need to learn history to understand "British values." In new-style classes teenagers will learn an understanding of core British values at the heart of Citizenship teaching lessons emphasising the importance of history to "Britishness".
28 January 2013
New Revised Citizenship Test Unveiled
A new revised version of the UK citizenship test has been revealed by the Home Office, who have said it, "focuses on values and principles at the heart of being British".
New Revised Citizenship Test Unveiled
A new revised version of the UK citizenship test has been revealed by the Home Office, who have said it, "focuses on values and principles at the heart of being British".
03 August 2009
Immigration Passport Points System Unveiled
Immigrants who want to take on British citizenship will have to earn points to qualify for a passport under new government plans unveiled by Home Secretary Alan Johnson. The new system will see migrants obtaining points by doing voluntary work, paying taxes, speaking English or having useful skills.
Immigration Passport Points System Unveiled
Immigrants who want to take on British citizenship will have to earn points to qualify for a passport under new government plans unveiled by Home Secretary Alan Johnson. The new system will see migrants obtaining points by doing voluntary work, paying taxes, speaking English or having useful skills.
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