Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

UK Citizenship Test

22 November 2023 · 3 other contributors · 3,582 words

Opened by Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife

Responding minister: Laura Farris

Immigration

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Wendy Chamberlain raised concerns about uk citizenship test in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The hon. Member for North East Fife raised concerns about a constituent's case involving dyslexia and repeated delays in the 'Life in the UK' test exemption process.
  • The hon. Member requested the Government to review the 'Life in the UK' test as per a previous House of Lords report and provide updates on a remote testing pilot.
  • The Minister noted that since 2003, successive Governments have required applicants for permanent residence to demonstrate understanding of life in the UK, including history.

Key requests to Government

The hon. Member requested that the Government review their commitment to improve the 'Life in the UK' test as per the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee report from last year. She also asked for an update on the timetable for the promised review, information about a remote testing pilot, and reassurance regarding Kate's case.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife

The hon. Member for North East Fife highlighted the case of a constituent, Kate Jeffery, who applied for indefinite leave to remain and sought an exemption from the 'Life in the UK' test due to her severe dyslexia. Her application was initially rejected on the grounds that GP support did not count as evidence of a diagnosis. Despite multiple appeals with supporting documents provided by her MP's office and legal advice, Kate's case has faced repeated delays and refusals. The hon. Member also mentioned accessibility issues for applicants with disabilities, the lack of clear information on available adaptations, and the test's content being more focused on obscure facts rather than aiding integration.

Other contributors (3)
  • Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry

    Congratulates the hon. Lady for raising issues related to Northern Ireland residents born in the Republic, questioning why these individuals are still required to take the citizenship test despite long-term residency and contributions as taxpayers and voters. Will the Minister undertake, in discussion with colleagues, to ensure that the review that is going to be forthcoming will be wide-ranging and comprehensive, to take account of some of the concerns that have been raised today? Then, hopefully, we can see some improvement for the future.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Commends the hon. Lady for bringing the debate forward, criticising the UK citizenship test as a 'bad pub quiz' and suggesting that questions should focus more on devolved institutions to understand the UK better. The hon. Member highlighted that the 'Life in the UK' test has serious flaws and mentioned accessibility issues for applicants with long-term physical and mental conditions, which can be a barrier to the application process.

  • Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

    Grateful for the hon. Friend's speech, suggests allowing asylum seekers to work to help them integrate better and save taxpayer money, arguing this would improve their chances of passing the citizenship test.

Government Response

Laura Farris

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Christopher. I congratulate the hon. Member for North East Fife on securing the debate and urge her not to conflate individual issues with an indication that the system as a whole is failing. Since 2003, successive Governments have required all those seeking permanent residence in the UK to demonstrate an appropriate level of spoken English and understanding of life in the United Kingdom, including history. Over 1.7 million attempts have been made to pass the test since 2013, with 70% passing it on their first try. Applicants do not need to achieve 100%, and most people pass by the third attempt. The minister explained that those taking the test will already have lived in the UK for at least five years and must demonstrate knowledge of British history, culture, government, and democratic principles. She stated that while she is aware of the House of Lords Committee's report on the test, there are strong views on how a review should be conducted, particularly regarding its scope, who should conduct it, and what consultation should be undertaken. The minister will write to the hon. Member for North East Fife once the scope and timeframe for the review is known.

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