Lib Dem Euro MP: 'Study shows we need more linguistic and cultural skills not less' (Diana Wallis MEP)

Diana Wallis MEP <info@dianawallismep.org.uk>

Lib Dem Euro MP: 'Study shows we need more linguistic and cultural skills not less'

December 10, 2006 1:00 PM

Commenting on the study which shows that over 1.5 million British citizens are living in other European Union countries, local Euro MP Diana Wallis, has warned the government not to reject compulsory language learning.

Studies by the Institute for Public Policy Research, published today, indicate that at least 5.5m British-born people live abroad with over 1.5m living in other EU countries.

Liberal Democrat MEP, Diana Wallis, said:

"The study shows that British people want the opportunity to work and live in other countries, but that one of the biggest obstacles is a lack of language skills and cultural understanding. The Dearing report on the future of language learning to be published on Thursday is expected to rule out a return to compulsory language lessons for all pupils up to 16. I think this is a retrograde step. We need more linguistic and cultural skills not less.

"With so many people wanting to live and work abroad they should be given the best possible preparation and that means knowing languages.

"Interestingly, another development of this migration of Brits to the rest of the EU, is that more and more of my work as a Member of the European Parliament is to do with the consequences of living, working and travelling abroad. For example, in things like property ownership, wills and succession, healthcare, road traffic incidents and contracts of all kinds. This shows the importance of the EU in helping to ease the movement of British people across Europe."