Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if they will make it their policy to not provide (a) translation and (b) interpretation for speakers of non-UK languages for services provided by their Department.

Language service needs and spend are assessed to ensure these services offer good value for money for taxpayers while maintaining high standards of service delivery. The Government’s Immigration White Paper sets out plans for the new English Language requirements across a range of routes, and makes clear our belief that the ability to speak English is critical for anyone wishing to integrate successfully into our communities.

However, there are some circumstances when it is essential to provide translation sources, for example when dealing with young women who have been trafficked into the UK against their will and subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation, and who require support and care after being rescued from those situations.