Immigrants are being demonised for learning English – that’s how low we have sunk |
Imagine being an immigrant who comes to the UK and doesn’t speak much English. Heeding the call of politicians and various right-wing commentators, you’re determined to get on with life in this country – starting with signing up for lessons to improve your English. Imagine your surprise when you find out your class is now the subject of protests from some of the very same people who might have grumbled about your lack of integration in the country.
In Glasgow and Aberdeen, anti-immigration protesters have been picketing schools hosting ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) lessons aimed at parents of students and asylum seekers.
The protests in Scotland follow the decision of Renfrewshire Council to pause classes hosted at a local primary school after a social media backlash. The numbers attending these demonstrations are small – only around 50 people showed up to the one in Glasgow – but their rationale remains largely consistent.
They want the classes to be moved because they’re worried about the safety of children at the school due to “foreign-born adults” at the classes, as a report from the........