UK citizenship test needs urgent review, says Lords committee
Thursday 30 June 2022
A review of the Life in the UK Test is urgent and an end date for its completion should be set by the Government immediately.
The House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee writes that the current edition of the Life in the UK handbook, which is the basis of the Test “comes across as a random selection of obscure facts and subjective assertions, trivialising the process”, in a letter to the Minister for Safe and Legal Migration, Kevin Foster MP, published today.
Passing the Test, in order to demonstrate ‘sufficient knowledge about life in the UK’, is required for citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). In the case of ILR the stakes are particularly high. Failure may mean deportation, the loss of livelihood, and separation from family.
The committee believes that the Test is in fact a test on the material included in the Government’s handbook, of which witnesses were critical during the committee's inquiry. Those reading the handbook felt offended by the British Empire being described as “a force for good in the world” and the suggestion that the UK had fought alone against Nazi Germany.
The committee agreed with witnesses, that far from fostering social cohesion, the Test may alienate candidates, reducing their appetite for active participation in society. People taking the Test even believe it was designed as ‘an additional barrier’ or ‘a resilience test’.
The committee also heard much evidence about the cost of the process - not only the direct costs, but time off work for preparation as well as travel, which can be to a distant test centre. Inevitably, Home Office fees for citizenship and permanent residency were mentioned, sometimes meaning that not every member of a family can afford to apply, and families can face being split up.
The committee has today called on the Government to appoint an Advisory Group to conduct a review to be published by a set deadline.
Baroness Hamwee, Chair of the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee, said:
“‘Trivial’, ‘outdated’, and ‘undermining British values’ were some of the terms used by witnesses to our inquiry into the Life in the UK Test.
“It is – or should be – no joke that ‘the question most identified with the UK test related to the appropriate action to take after spilling a beer on someone at the pub. The Test is not respected in the UK or abroad.
“Should candidates be required to memorise content referring to the Enlightenment and where the founder of the UK’s first curry house eloped with his wife? The UK today is about more than stereotypes such as roast beef and pantomimes.
“A multiple-choice question puts ‘freedom of speech’, ‘the right to a fair trial’, ‘long lunchbreaks on Fridays’ and ‘free groceries for everyone’ on an equal footing as potential citizens’ rights. The rights and responsibilities of active citizens can be dealt with seriously without being stodgy or impenetrable.
“Reform of the Life in the UK Test and of its associated handbook should be treated by the Government as urgent. Not to do so disrespects those people who wish to become citizens or permanent residents of our country.”
To request an embargoed copy of the letter please email lordspressoffice@parliament.uk.
For other media requests or for further information please contact Aneela Mahmood at mahmooda@parliament.uk or on 0207 219 8286.
