By Wil Walker
Local News Correspondent
The coalition Government has announced a change to the existing ‘Life in the UK Test’ focusing on history and culture, and dropping practical elements of British life. To be introduced in March the new test will quiz candidate’s knowledge of Monty Python, historical landmarks and the Queen’s exact age. The citizenship test requires a 75% pass mark for all foreign nationals seeking indefinite leave to remain in this country. Writing on the Home Office website Immigration minister Mark Harper said: “The new book rightly focuses on values and principles at the heart of being British. Instead of telling people how to claim benefits it encourages participation in British life.” The citizenship test has been through two previous incarnations, both of which focused largely on practical elements of life in this country, although these had undergone criticism for being too difficult with critics citing low pass rates and perceived difficulty amongst the British populace. There is concern that the new questions do not sufficiently prepare citizens for the practical realities of life in the UK. While the previous test included train timetables and navigating the convoluted benefits system it remains to be seen how knowledge of Stonehenge and Lord Nelson will benefit future residents. Speaking to Asian World Don Flynn, Director of Migrant Rights Network, called the change a “step backwards”, explaining “the test ought to be more practically related” and that prospective citizens looking to take the test are reacting “with resignation”. Some aid groups question whether rigorous testing really is the most appropriate course of action. One organisation suggested that work placement schemes would provide a much better ‘litmus test’ for prospective residents. Immigration has always been a contentious issue for politicians. MITEX (Migrant Integration Policy Index), which measures the integration policies of each country, ranks the UK as 14th, behind countries like France and Poland. The Home Office released a ten-question sample of the new test and Asian World went to Kings Heath in the city of Birmingham to see if local residents could pass the quiz themselves. Around half of those asked achieved the necessary 75% pass mark to remain citizens, but most felt that the test was “very limited” or in one instance “completely irrelevant”. John Evans, 28, from Wood Green was amazed at the questions and asked “how can they (immigrants) expect to live in this country without knowing basic practical things” and then admitted that some of the questions he did not know and also found redundant. From March 25th foreign nationals hoping to stay permanently in the UK will be expected to understand not only the practicalities of British life but rather its history and its culture.
Here is a selection of questions released by the Home Office. Take the test and see if you would pass and be eligible to stay in the UK (answers at the end):
1. Which landmark is a prehistoric monument which still stands in the English county of Wiltshire?
A. Stonehenge
B. Hadrian’s Wall
C. Offa’s Dyke
D. Fountains Abbey
2. What is the name of the admiral who died in a sea battle in 1805 and has a monument in Trafalgar Square, London?
A. Cook
B. Drake
C. Nelson
D. Raleigh
3. In 1801, a new version of the official flag of the United Kingdom was created. What is it often called?
A. The British Standard
B. The Royal Banner
C. The St George Cross
D. The Union Jack
4. Who is the Patron Saint of Scotland?
A. St Andrew
B. St David
C. St George
D. St Patrick
5. What flower is traditionally worn by people on Remembrance Day?
A. Poppy
B. Lily
C. Daffodil
D. Iris
6. Which of these sporting events was hosted in London in 2012?
A. The Commonwealth Games
B. The Cricket World Cup
C. The European Football Championship
D. The Paralympic Games
7. At her jubilee in 2012, how many years as queen did Queen Elizabeth II celebrate?
A. 25
B. 40
C. 50
D. 60
8. The second largest party in the House of Commons is usually known by what name?
A. The Senate
B. The Opposition
C. The Lords
D. The Other Side
9. From what age can you be asked to serve on a jury?
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. 25
10. What is the title given to the person who chairs the debates in the House of Commons?
A. The Chairman
B. The Speaker
C. The Leader of the House
D. The Prime Minister
Answers:
1. A
2. C
3. D
4. A
5. A
6. D
7. D
8. B
9. B
10. B
