David Vance SubstackRead More
I am going to be in Birmingham in a few weeks time for a music concert and so I was interested to read that the Reform UK group on the Council , now the largest single party there with 23 seats, has called for an “English only” policy for official council proceedings. I am shocked it is anything else!
What triggered this was when an imam recited a 30-second verse from the Koran in Arabic during the annual mayor-making ceremony for the new Lord Mayor, Zaker Choudhry. In a letter to the Lord Mayor, the Reform councillors acknowledged Birmingham’s diversity and multi-faith character, but argued that public council meetings must remain fully inclusive and accessible to all residents, regardless of background or religion.
That means conducting official elements in a language many locals do not understand creates unnecessary barriers. They also made it clear that all readings and business should be conducted in English — the common language of the country.
Reform group leader, Kingstanding councillor Jex Parkin, spelled it out
“It’s clear only the English language should be used in public meetings in this country. We will always advocate for this, on behalf of the residents that elected us to promote and protect the language, culture and values of the United Kingdom.”
Reforms’s position reflects a widely held view that all public institutions should use ENGLISH. However to the surprise of no one Reform’s reasonable request is presented as “divisive” and unhelpful to “community cohesion” by several Muslim Councillors. Well that’s just tough.
We have made far too many concessions to “diversity” and it needs to end fast. Expecting that ONLY English is spoken in official Council meetings in ENGLAND is a basic requirement. No other languages are acceptable.
Reform are quite right to adopt this stance!
