Britain to Offer Language Classes to Female Muslim Migrants

Britain’s prime minister says Muslim women must improve their English to better integrate into British society, and suggested some migrants could be deported if they fail to speak the language

Members of the Muslim community make their way to pray at the East London Mosque on the last day of Ramadan on August 7, 2013 in London, England. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

LONDON—Britain’s prime minister says Muslim women must improve their English to better integrate into British society, and suggested some migrants could be deported if they fail to speak the language.

Arguing that community cohesion is the best antidote to extremism, Prime Minster David Cameron on Monday, Jan. 18, pledged to fund English language classes for female migrants. The 20-million-pound ($28.5 million) fund will help tens of thousands of women facing social isolation and discrimination and emphasize that Britain has expectations for those who want to live in the country, Cameron said.

The program aimed at women is meant to end what Cameron called the 'passive tolerance' of discriminatory practices.