even New Labour have recently leaned a bit this way with English tests

Not that I really want to defend the Labour party, but I think you'll find that the English language test requirement is being introduced for a combination of reasons, some of which are....

1 - Taking the effort to learn the language indicates a level of desire and commitment for those wishing to live in the country

2 - Having English language skills obviously increases employability

3 - English language skills help the immigrant to access services

4 - Those who can speak English are less vulnerable to exploitation

5 - English language skills enable better integration into the community - NB Integration, not shedding of culture


Passing the English language test is not about losing your own culture & pretending to be born/raised in England or adopting fake accents. The language test is supposed to be the equivalent of GCSE English grade A-C, judging by your "life's work" WAV, I doubt very much that you'd be able to pass it.

I'd be surprised if any of the main political parties will be including a requirement that minority communities shed their own culture as part of their next election manifesto. That'll probably be reserved for your friends in the BNP.