UK unveils migrant language tests, misspells language

Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday launched a £20 million language fund to help women, particularly Muslims

LONDON: Britain's Home Office was left red-faced on Friday after unveiling new English tests for migrants -- but misspelling the word "language" in its announcement.

Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday launched a £20 million ($28.5 million, 26 million euro) language fund to help women, particularly Muslims, who arrive in Britain after getting married but struggle to speak English.

He also said women from non-EU countries who fail to pass an English language test after two and a half years in the country could face deportation, drawing criticism from Muslim groups and opposition parties.



A Home Office press release giving details of the move Thursday spoke of a "new English langauge test" and had to be corrected.

Asked if Cameron was disappointed by the mistake, his official spokesperson told reporters: "All of us are open to mistakes at times.

"The prime minister is pretty confident that his team speak English competently."



The error drew ridicule on Twitter

Beyond parody - Home Office can't spell 'language' in their note to migrants who have been told to learn English. pic.twitter.com/7hOxsZkAfw

— anita anand (@tweeter_anita) January 22, 2016

https://twitter.com/DaveGoddard1971/status/690471684789395457