English Language Learning Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Baroness Rawlings
Main Page: Baroness Rawlings (Conservative - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Baroness Rawlings's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
English Language Learning
Baroness Rawlings Excerpts(4 years, 3 months ago)
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Lord Greenhalgh
My Lords, there is a clear requirement under the equalities Act to provide information in a way that is accessible to all, including to those who hard of hearing or deaf. There is a requirement in place to provide that.
Baroness Rawlings (Con) [V]
My Lords, I cannot believe that teaching English is not already compulsory in schools in this country. Not only English should be compulsory but clear, correct English; there would be far fewer misunderstandings. Does the Minister agree that schools could follow the advice of Bernard Levin, one of our best modern writers of English prose: just read George Orwell and Jane Austen and you cannot go wrong?
Lord Greenhalgh
My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that excellent advice. Of course, good written English is very important. Being able to read will give people the joys of the English language.