The Celtic League have queried with the United Kingdom Home Office why the so-called 'citizenship tests can be taken in some Celtic languages but not in others.

From their inception the League have been sceptical of the worth or intent of these 'tests' which seem inclined towards a 'little England' mentality rather than assessing the value or contribution that an individual can make to society.

"Mr Liam Byrne MP Minister of State (Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality) Home Office Direct Communications Unit 2 Marsham Street London SW1P 4DF

Dear Mr Liam Byrne MP

Citizenship Tests

We are aware that the UK citizenship tests, that were introduced in November 2005, can be undertaken in the languages of Welsh and Scottish Gaelic, but why isn't it possible to undertake these tests in the languages of Cornish, Irish or Manx?

If it was the intention for the tests to measure people's "preparedness to become citizens, in keeping with the language requirement as well", as the Immigration Minister Tony McNulty said at the time, then there is no reason why people should not be given these tests in the other languages stated above. It is more than possible that potential citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland can speak these other languages, so they should therefore not be discriminated against by only offering the test through the medium of English.

We look forward to hearing from you with your views on this matter.

Yours sincerely

Rhisiart Tal-ebot General Secretary Celtic League

cc. Rt Hon John Reid MP, Secretary of State for the Home Department"

In a related initiative the Celtic League have queried with the Isle of Man Department of Home Affairs the composition of a 'Manx' derivative of the test in which only 25% of the questions have an Isle of Man emphasis.

See also Celtic News No. 2186 MANX HOME AFFAIRS DEPT. TESTED ON CITIZENSHIP ISSUE - Mon Apr 23, 2007 5:49 pm

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

23/04/07

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