Speak English to live in UK, says Brown

Published on Thursday 13 December 2007 13:41

PEOPLE wanting to become British citizens or apply for permanent residence should have to speak English and accept their responsibilities to society, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said today.

He insisted it was possible to define a set of British rights and responsibilities, distinct from universal human rights.

He said the issue could be legislated on by the Westminster parliament, as such matters were not devolved to the Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish bodies.

Mr Brown told the Commons Liaison Committee: "I think the rights and responsibilities will be distinct in different countries.

"I use the example of being able to carry a gun as being a right people think important in America but not so in Britain." He also used the example of the right to free health care, which would vary from country to country.

The Prime Minister said: "Becoming a citizen is an important act, because they are getting rights and in return for that they have to accept responsibilities."