VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Immigration: English Language

Asked by Daniel ZeichnerLabourDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 2 February 2026UIN 104733

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on proposals to move English language testing for immigration purposes to a digital by default approach.

Answered by Ian Murray

The Home Office English Language Testing (HOELT) programme team have had preliminary scoping conversations with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Commercial Innovation Hub, including the Government Digital Service prior to launch of the live procurement.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim