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Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [HL]

Under the existing law it is the languages expressed in existing legislation. In future it will be the languages described in the legislation to come. Additionally, the requirement does not apply to those aged over 65 or under 18. I take the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Brooke, that many of the people who come here have skills in several languages and that it is wrong to suggest that they will have great difficulty with the English language. However, it would be clearly an advantage for them to have the English language if they are to integrate and to be successful in our society. I am grateful for the points made forcefully and eloquently by a number of noble Lords on the question of refugees. The Government will consider the points that have been raised. We note the special situation of refugees.