Note: This description is generated by AI (but reviewed)

Resolution Criteria

This market will resolve to "Yes" if, before 23:59 GMT on December 31, 2026, the United Kingdom enacts a legally binding policy that requires adult migrants receiving public benefits to attend compulsory English language lessons as a condition for receiving those benefits.

To qualify:

- The requirement must be mandated by law or regulation, through:

- Primary legislation (an Act of Parliament), or

- Secondary legislation (e.g. amendments to the Immigration Rules, Social Security Regulations, or Department for Work and Pensions policy instruments) that carry legal force.

- The policy must:

- Explicitly target adult migrants (i.e. non-citizens or newly settled individuals),

- Require participation in English language instruction (either in-person or online),

- Tie that requirement to the receipt or continuation of one or more public benefits, including but not limited to Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Income Support.

The resolution will be based on:

- Official UK government documentation (e.g. gov.uk announcements, legislation.gov.uk, DWP policy manuals), or

- Reporting by reputable news organisations (e.g. BBC, The Times, Financial Times, The Guardian, ITV) confirming that the policy has been formally implemented and is in force.

Background

Compulsory English education for migrants has previously been considered by both Labour and Conservative governments, but never enacted in a binding, enforceable way. The political and public pressure to require cultural and linguistic integration is rising in light of sustained high immigration levels and perceived social fragmentation. Some European countries (e.g. Denmark, Germany) already tie language learning to welfare access.

This market tests whether the UK will implement a similarly coercive integration mechanism before 2027.

⚠️ Clarifications

- A proposal, white paper, pilot scheme, or trial does not qualify unless it becomes legally binding and applies to benefit recipients.

- The English requirement must be compulsory. Voluntary programs or incentives (e.g. bonus payments for attending lessons) do not qualify.

- The requirement must apply at the individual level (i.e. a person must attend to receive benefits), not just be a condition imposed on local councils or institutions.