Today Prime Minister David Cameron announced a new £20 million community fund to teach English to isolated women.

Refugee Action chief executive Stephen Hale said:

“The Prime Minister’s pledge of an additional £20million in funding for English language classes does not compensate for the cuts of around 50%  to ESOL classes in the last five years. Refugee Action’s experience shows that refugees in Britain are desperately keen to access high-quality English language classes, whatever their religion, gender or ethnicity. Too often they are unable to do so. A long-term strategy with proper funding is urgently needed to enable refugees to access English classes and to rebuild their lives successfully in the UK. Today’s statement by the Prime Minister must mark the beginning of that effort. ”

Media enquiries

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact the Refugee Action media office.