CLERICS will need a basic grasp of English before being allowed to preach in Britain, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today.

Ministers are also considering making imams and priests have professional qualifications before preaching. The moves are aimed at clamping down on rogue imams whose controversial teachings have made headlines in recent months.

Mr Blunkett said it was vital to ensure clerics had the skills needed to preach in a "diverse and cohesive" society. He also announced tighter rules to stop temporary migrants switching to permanent employment.

Measures include halving to two years the time they are allowed to stay in the country to do successive short courses below degree level.

Requirement

The government has already begun a crackdown on bogus foreign language courses and sham marriages.

Mr Blunkett said religious ministers would have to prove they have a basic grasp of English before being allowed to work here.

After two years the pre-entry requirement will be raised to ensure they can write and speak English.

The Home Office is also considering proposals which would see imams and priests who have been here for a year to demonstrate their knowledge of British civic life, including an understanding of other faiths.

Mr Blunkett said: "We have consulted and listened to faith groups and are encouraged that many faith representatives recognise the need for ministers to speak for the communities they represent and, in particular, to communicate effectively with the younger generation.

"That is why it is essential that ministers coming from overseas can speak English when they arrive in the UK so they can speak to and for their congregations."

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