Protestors gather as Mayor cuts English language classes, with some fearing 'division'
Greater Lincolnshire’s Mayor Andrea Jenkyns has cut funding for English language lessons from next year – despite claims it will increase division.
The Reform UK Mayor says the money will be reallocated to improving literacy in the county and getting people into work.
However, opponents believe it will make it more difficult for people who don’t speak English to integrate into society.
Nearly three-quarters of people who responded to a consultation on the changes opposed it, and protesters gathered outside the meeting on Wednesday (February 25).
Public funding for English as a second language (ESOL) courses will end in August 2027, with exceptions for Hong Kong visas and Ukrainian refugees.
Adult skills training which is currently available to all will be restricted to those who have been living in the UK for three years.
Ms Jenkyns said the new qualifications she would develop would be “more inclusive” and help end cycles of deprivation.
The Mayor told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “200,000 people are illiterate in our county. We have to do something – I will not stand idly by and let that happen on my watch.
“We will design our new qualification with the business community, higher education and further education to give these people a chance.
“I want Lincolnshire to be a beacon and make sure no one is illiterate.”
She said the changes amounted to an investment in literacy, and wasn’t taking resources away.
Protesters outside the meeting said they feared the changes would make it more difficult for people without English to become part of society.
Daniel Ramm from Stand Up To Racism Lincolnshire said outside the meeting: “I want people to be supported to become members of society – this is drawing the bridge up and telling people they’re not welcome.
“People want to come here for a better life, and it’s a kick in the teeth to make it harder for them.
“Our hospitals are filled with staff who learned English as a second language.
“I hope this won’t put people off coming to Lincolnshire because it will make their lives more difficult.”
Labour Councillor Chris Burke represents Sincil Bank, one of the most deprived areas of Lincoln.
“Many people in the area benefit from ESOL to help them integrate into the community,” he said.
“This is an anti-community measure which will encourage division and hatred. Andrea Jenkyns should be ashamed of herself.”
University student Eliza Sherratt had helped teach an English class for Ukrainian refugees.
“It made a massive difference for them, and the classes were so beneficial. By the end of the class, they could read a Michael Murpurgo book, and those skills really helped them integrate.”