Rochdale people hit back at David Cameron’s deportation plan

Saqib Hussein says the government's new language test policy 'is ridiculous'

The people of Rochdale have hit back at David Cameron’s recent announcement that migrant families could be broken up and mothers deported if they fail a new English test.

Local people interviewed by Rochdale Online said that the Prime Minister is “singling out Muslims” in his new plan to language-test all spouses who immigrate to join their partner living in Britain two and a half years after they arrive here.

Failing the language test could lead to the new arrival’s right to stay in the UK being revoked and them being sent back to their country of origin, he said.

The Government has emphasised Muslim women as the target of the policy. Ministers say some are living in “isolated” communities and do not learn English.

People in Rochdale town centre yesterday (Tuesday 19 January) agreed that although language is a necessary tool of communication, facing deportation would be “ridiculous” and would create more tension in the community.

Saqib Hussein, from Spotland, said: “This is ridiculous. My mother can’t speak English very well, and she’s been here for years, bringing me up. Will she face deportation? David Cameron needs to have a long hard look at the situation he’s dealing with. There are plenty of people who have been here for years, who are good members of our society”.

Sheila Chadwick, from central Rochdale, said: “I have a relative who works in a school in Rochdale, and she says there can be about 25 different languages being spoken. There are people here from Poland and all other countries too, so I wonder if they are facing the same tests?”

Councillor for central Rochdale Sultan Ali said: “It is very unfortunate that we have had to bring language and ethnicity to fire up the emotions. Of course, language is an essential tool of communication, but people being here who don’t yet speak English is not a new thing at all, and those people are peaceful, hard-working members of the community.

“I first arrived in the UK in November 1966 and I couldn’t speak a single word, I couldn’t even say hello. There were illiterate immigrants working in the textile industry, perhaps the odd one could speak the language but the others were struggling, but they were still working in the industry and they were still turning the wheels of society.

“I am a Muslim, I was born a Muslim and I hope to die a Muslim. I do not identify with extremism in any way, I am a peaceful man. This is creating fear and an intolerance that if we don’t stop, is going to become a virus in our communities. David Cameron’s idea to deport people who can’t speak well enough is going to spread that virus.

“Islamophobia is sadly alive and kicking in our communities, there is a general feeling of unrest and fear. We must work together to make sure it doesn’t carry on. David Cameron is not going the right way about helping us do that at all.”

The policy, to be launched in October, is the latest in a series announced by the Government that is likely to make life difficult for immigrants living in Britain.