Immigrants should be told not to touch people without permission, spit in the street or play loud music, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has said.
Immigrants should be told not to touch people without permission, spit in the street or play loud music, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has said.
Ms Blears proposed that councils issue welcome packs to migrants explaining UK customs, including advice on queuing.
Ms Blears proposed that councils issue welcome packs to migrants explaining UK customs, including advice on queuing.
The government says it wants to help newcomers integrate into Britain.
The government says it wants to help newcomers integrate into Britain.
Public funding should also be aimed at the whole community, not single ethnic groups, to "strengthen what we have in common", Ms Blears added.
Public funding should also be aimed at the whole community, not single ethnic groups, to "strengthen what we have in common", Ms Blears added.
The proposals are being introduced following the Commission on Integration and Cohesion, which held a 10-month review into the challenges caused of diversity.
The proposals are being introduced following the Commission on Integration and Cohesion, which held a 10-month review into the challenges caused of diversity.
'Legitimate and necessary'
'Legitimate and necessary'
Under the government's plans - which are being published for consultation - information packs produced by councils would suggest how immigrants could contribute to the economy and avoid community tensions.
Under the government's plans - which are being published for consultation - information packs produced by councils would suggest how immigrants could contribute to the economy and avoid community tensions.
This would include promoting shared values like respect for the law.
This would include promoting shared values like respect for the law.
ADVICE TO IMMIGRANTS Don't drink and driveDon't drop litterPut bins out for collection on the correct dayMake sure children attend schoolGet a licence before you go fishingDon't touch people without their permissionRespect the lawAvoid spitting in the streetDon't play music loudly
ADVICE TO IMMIGRANTS Don't drink and driveDon't drop litterPut bins out for collection on the correct dayMake sure children attend schoolGet a licence before you go fishingDon't touch people without their permissionRespect the lawAvoid spitting in the streetDon't play music loudly
According to new guidelines, bodies which distribute taxpayers' money to projects would have to consider whether they allow people from different backgrounds to integrate or whether they cause division.
According to new guidelines, bodies which distribute taxpayers' money to projects would have to consider whether they allow people from different backgrounds to integrate or whether they cause division.
Schemes such as separate youth clubs for black or Asian children could widen the gap between communities, ministers fear.
Schemes such as separate youth clubs for black or Asian children could widen the gap between communities, ministers fear.
Ms Blears said that Britain had a proud tradition of welcoming new arrivals from overseas who come to the UK to work hard.
Ms Blears said that Britain had a proud tradition of welcoming new arrivals from overseas who come to the UK to work hard.
She added: "It is only right that we expect migrants to play by our rules. In return we have a role in explaining just what those rules are.
She added: "It is only right that we expect migrants to play by our rules. In return we have a role in explaining just what those rules are.
"Information packs are a way of getting that info across - providing a rough guide to the country, the county and the city and helping to ensure that new arrivals avoid doing or saying things that might upset local settled communities or getting into trouble with the law."
"Information packs are a way of getting that info across - providing a rough guide to the country, the county and the city and helping to ensure that new arrivals avoid doing or saying things that might upset local settled communities or getting into trouble with the law."
Amit Kapadia of the group HMSP Forum, which campaigns on behalf of skilled migrants, said he welcomed the introduction of the packs.
Amit Kapadia of the group HSMP Forum, which campaigns on behalf of skilled migrants, said he welcomed the introduction of the packs.
He added: "But this shouldn't just be targeted at one section of the community - as well as being an introduction to the UK, the packs can act as a reminder to people who are here already."
He added: "But this shouldn't just be targeted at one section of the community - as well as being an introduction to the UK, the packs can act as a reminder to people who are here already."
Are these information packs a good idea? Are you an immigrant? Would you appreciate an advice pack? Would something like this make coming to the UK and getting along easier? Would information like this help to close community divisions? Tell us your thoughts by filling in the form below.
Are these information packs a good idea? Are you an immigrant? Would you appreciate an advice pack? Would something like this make coming to the UK and getting along easier? Would information like this help to close community divisions? Tell us your thoughts by filling in the form below.
