Language of love in Britain must be English

LONDON - Love may have its own language - but that's not good enough for the British government.

It wants English, too.

Starting this fall, the spouse of a citizen who is coming from outside the European Union and wants to live in Britain will have to prove he or she has a basic command of English.

The move, announced yesterday by the new Conservative government of Prime Minister David Cameron, comes as countries across Europe tighten immigration rules amid rising unemployment rates and concerns about the ability of newcomers to integrate.

The Netherlands was holding an election yesterday in which a far-right party that wants to ban all immigration from nonwestern countries has a shot at doubling its seats in Parliament.

In Britain, the government is casting the new policy as an effort to promote integration, not to keep out foreigners.

"I believe being able to speak English should be a prerequisite for anyone who wants to settle here," Home Secretary Theresa May said. "The new English requirement for spouses will help promote integration, remove cultural barriers and protect public services."

Couples already have to meet other criteria, like proving their marriage is genuine and demonstrating they can support themselves financially. And language tests are required for skilled workers and people applying for permanent residency or citizenship.

The new measures have been criticized by civil libertarians, lawyers, and activists. Some say the changes discriminate against people from countries with few English speaking traditions. Others call them an intrusion into citizens' private lives. - AP