Petition · past parliament
All Government forms, publications in English or English/Welsh languages only.
Closed
245 signatures
What the petition asks
In 2014 the public sector spent 140 million on translation services; 2017 will be considerably more.
Local councils spent at least £25m; the police £21m; the courts system spent more than £10m without accounting for the cost of legal aid; and the NHS – a conservative estimate was £55m.
Local councils spent at least £25m; the police £21m; the courts system spent more than £10m without accounting for the cost of legal aid; and the NHS – a conservative estimate was £55m.
The Human Rights Act only requires translation if someone is arrested or charged with a criminal offence.
There are far too many foreign nationals settled in the UK long term that do not or refuse to integrate fully into our society by not learning to read and write in our native languages.
Translating is not only expensive it is doing harm because it reinforces the language barrier which separates communities and hinders integration.
There are far too many foreign nationals settled in the UK long term that do not or refuse to integrate fully into our society by not learning to read and write in our native languages.
Translating is not only expensive it is doing harm because it reinforces the language barrier which separates communities and hinders integration.
Timeline
| 21 Sep 2017 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 21 Mar 2018 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
245
Status
Closed
Opened
21 Sep 2017
Closed
21 Mar 2018
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.