Should immigrants be required to adapt to British culture and practices, rather than expect change?
UK integration policy requires English language and a Life in the UK test for settlement and citizenship, with successive governments promoting shared values while allowing cultural diversity. Recent House of Lords reports and polling show rising concern that high migration has created parallel lives in some communities, with 36% now viewing Britishness as birth-based rather than values-based. A 2026 Lords inquiry highlighted the lack of a national integration strategy in England and debates over whether integration is primarily one-way or two-way.
3 Opinions
Yes of course, wish to live in Britain? Yes you should adapt and integrate to our society. The fact you should expect change is what is fundamentally the problem.
Definitely, I am writing this as an immigrant myself. The way to citizenship should be mandatory, and the only way to remain in the UK indefinitely. If someone cannot meet the English language, Life in the UK test, and “good character” (including no criminal record) requirements, then sorry but will have to leave voluntary or be deported. All other forms of visa should be temporary and all benefits, the less the better, only for citizens.
We need to strike a balance here. I'd love to attend Hanukkah, Eid, Diwali and Christmas with my friends and neighbours. My waistline won't thank me, but it would be awesome if I lived somewhere that diverse. But everyone should understand the values we hold dear now, and how far we've come from the horrors of our past. History is nothing to be ashamed of. It's the sunset which backlights our ongoing progress.