13/02/2026
Nigel's spot on here. A vast amount of people in our communities speak no or little English. Truth.
He's absolutely right to raise it - cos of all the damage that does. It leads to:
- isolation - people who can't communicate get lonely quick
- poor health outcomes - missing info, appointments, friendship
- mutual fear and suspicion - we natives suspect the foreigners are frauds and threats. The foreigners suspect the natives are thinking the worst.
He's also right that some immigrants show zero desire or willing to learn English. And he's right that this is a problem.
But many in Shenley are desperate to learn, and are boldly against ghetto-ising themselves. They preach louder than anyone that "people who want to come here should integrate and contribute". And so they do the hard work of coping with the social anxiety, humiliation and nervousness that comes with being bad at something in a group setting, by turning up week every week to do exactly what Nigel wants them to do.
Our group is called Shenley Welcomes. We gather about 15-20 of us each week, to try and upskill in a safe and friendly space. We've never had an immigrant turn up who doesn't want to integrate (though there are hundreds in our community like that for sure, they just wouldn't show up). But we've had over 130 different people through since we began in May 2023. Most of them can't come anymore because they're now in workplace or voluntary roles, roles they got because their English and confidence improved. They now pay tax, and take workplace roles many ranks lower than their qualifications, simply to make sure they do contribute and pay their way. And good on them.
Want to make a difference in your community?
You don't have to agree with illegal immigration, or believe in limitless open doors. No-one believes that.
But our group has decided to stick with a posture of unashamed welcome towards those who HAVE arrived, and DO want to integrate, contribute and learn. To such people, you could make a real difference by coming and volunteering with our group.
The more English natives in the room the better, as people's skills go up way quicker, and we kill some of that mutual suspicion.
Message us if you want to volunteer.
Or, say hi and smile at your foreign neighbour when you put the bins out. That's more meaningful than can ever be said!
BBC Verify fact-check: Is Reform's Nigel Farage right to claim one million in UK 'don't speak any English’? Latest updates from the BBC's specialists in fact-checking, verifying video and tackling disinformation.
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