Blears calls for migrants to learn English as "top priority"

Hazel Blears has said that learning English must be "an absolute top priority" for migrants to the UK.

The secretary of state for communities also said that local authorities needed to think more carefully before translating documents.

In an interview on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Ms Blears said the ability to speak English was "fundamental" for migrants.

"If you want to get on, if you want to get a job, if you want to look after your family, the ability to speak the language is fundamental.

"We're saying to local authorities in particular – don’t go translating all the documents that you used to in the past," she said.

The government announced in January that free English lessons would be given to immigrants with long-term needs.

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