- guardian.co.uk, Thursday July 12 2001 17.10 BST
Ann Cryer, who represents the Keighley constituency, near Bradford, urged the home secretary, David Blunkett, to consider implementing stringent conditions on people arriving into the country for arranged marriages who cannot speak English.
In a bid to overcome social difficulties, economic and academic under-achievement among Asians in West Yorkshire, she said such measures as compulsory adult education could go some way to prevent a repeat of the Bradford riots.
She suggested the tradition of bringing partners over to England from the Indian sub-continent had contributed to the under-achievement among the Asian communities, resulting in a "vicious circle" passed down through the generations.
"Inter-continental marriages mean that around 50% of the marriages that take place in the Asian community result in an intake of new residents who are unable to communicate in the English language, which limits participation in mainstream social and educational activities," said Mrs Cryer, whose constituency has a large Asian population.
"I'm looking to get the support from the Asian community, more specifically from Asian parents, to consider when arranging the marriage of their child thinking a little more about arranging a marriage with a young Muslim person of UK origin.
"Let's improve the teaching of English as a secondary language through further education in community centres. If necessary let's put more money into it."
Describing her comments as her own "long-term personal view" she said it was about time the issue was discussed in the wake of Lord Herman Ouseley's report into race-relations in Bradford.
She added: "I'm going to be right in the firing line for this but as Herman Ouseley says there are going to be a lot of debates to have.
"It's not happening with the Sikhs and Hindus, so why is it happening with the Muslims?
"My comments about immigration, questions about the use of English, is all down the road. I would prefer not to go to that and get there by other means. There are all sorts of solutions available at the moment."
Related articles
12.07.2001: Report criticises racial divisions in Bradford
12.07.2001: Youth survey offers hope to battered city
10.07.2001: Pre-riot report admits Bradford plagued by race divisions
10.07.2001: Riot-torn city voices dismay at 'lawless idiots'
Comment
12.07.2001, Manawar Jan-Khan: Bradford must face reality
12.07.2001, Helen Carter: Quiet riot
10.07.2001, Gary Younge: Bradford needs hope, not teargas
Useful links
Bradford race review report - full text (PDF)
This is Bradford
Bradford city council
Commission for Racial Equality
Institute of race relations
West Yorkshire police
