NATECLA responds to Jenrick ‘integration’ comments

Commenting on the recent comments by Conservative Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, NATECLA Co-Chairs Naeema Hann and Paul Sceeny said:

“Even at a time when mainstream politicians are increasingly co-opting the language of the far-right, it is still shocking to hear a member of the Shadow Cabinet member openly complain about not seeing “another white face” in a part of Birmingham that's known for its ethnic and cultural diversity.

“It’s vital that all of us who believe in a socially diverse, multi-ethnic and multilingual society speak up and not allow our voices to be drowned out by these kinds of racist tropes and dog-whistles.

“It’s particularly galling to hear complaints about lack of integration, when successive British governments have slashed ESOL funding throughout the past two decades and allowed enrolments to drop by more than a third since 2010.

“ESOL provision, along with adult education more generally, is vital for promoting social and community cohesion, employability and cultural engagement. Instead of looking for cheap headlines, politicians on all sides should be making it easier for people to learn English.”