Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the answer of 11 February 2026, to Question 110385, on Asylum: English Language, if she will make it her policy to make it mandatory for asylum seekers to learn English as a condition of (a) their residency in the United Kingdom and (b) the awarding of leave to remain.

The UK has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it, in accordance with our international obligations under the Refugee Convention and European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Asylum decision makers carefully consider each claimant’s protection needs by assessing all the evidence provided by the claimant in light of published country information guidance. Protection is normally granted where a claimant has a well-founded fear of persecution under the Refugee Convention or a claimant faces a real risk of serious harm. Adults and accompanied children who have claimed asylum since 2 March 2026 and qualify are normally granted 30 months limited leave and have access to the labour market and welfare support. Those found not to need protection are refused. We will not remove anyone to their own or any other country where they have a well-founded fear or persecution or are at risk of serious harm.

We are clear that the ability to use and understand our shared language should be a fundamental basis for participating in society and an expectation of those who wish to call the UK home.

To support this, we are reviewing English language provision to identify best practice, and explore how innovation, including digital delivery, can increase the numbers of individuals able to speak English.

The Government has not yet taken decisions on the final earned settlement model or on any transitional arrangements for those already on a pathway to settlement. We are currently reviewing and analysing the responses received to the recently conducted settlement consultation. We are reviewing the feedback and will provide a response soon on matters such as mandatory requirements.