Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to (a) raise the minimum combined income threshold for sponsoring a spouse and (b) to raise the minimum language requirement for entering the UK.

The Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) was implemented in July 2012, reflecting the income at which a British family at the time could no longer access income-related benefits.

The primary purpose of the English language requirement in the family routes is to promote integration. The minimum requirements are thorough and enable people to communicate related to their immediate needs.

The Home Office keeps all policies under constant review and we remain determined to reduce net migration to more sustainable levels.