Ministers have announced plans to ensure that new British citizens have a working knowledge of English.

Home secretary David Blunkett welcomed proposals to set a "citizenship test" for those seeking a British passport.

The move forms part of a controversial drive to ensure that immigrants who choose to remain in the UK fully understand what it means to be British.

Blunkett insisted that diversity was not incompatible with the plans.

"We're trying to ensure that people are capable of integrating in society, getting further education, obtaining a job, above all being able to communicate with the world around them, which is not only crucial for them but it's absolutely vital if we're going to have social cohesion and a welcome for those from across the world," he said.