Hazel Blears has said learning English must be ‘an absolute top priority’ for migrants to the UK, the BBC reports. The Secretary of State for Communities also said local authorities should ‘think carefully’ about whether documents needed to be translated.

She told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show the ability to speak English was ‘fundamental’ for migrants to the UK.

Gordon Brown has previously said people who want British citizenship should be expected to learn the language.

Ms Blears said: ‘If you want to get on, if you want to get a job, if you want to look after your family, the ability to speak the language is fundamental.’

Read more on the BBC website.

Categories: English as a second or foreign language