Prime Minister David Cameron said Monday that the government would finance classes for female Muslim immigrants, and he warned that some could be deported if they failed to reach certain standards.
Arguing that improved national cohesion is the best antidote to extremism, he said Muslim women who had immigrated to Britain must improve their English to better integrate into society.
According to Mr. Cameron, the $28.5 million fund would help tens of thousands of women facing social isolation and discrimination and emphasize that Britain has expectations for those who want to live in the country.
But the prime minister faced an immediate backlash from critics — including some within his own Conservative party — who challenged his decision to link language abilities to extremism.
Sayeeda Warsi, a onetime member of Mr. Cameron’s cabinet, said that while the money was welcome, the announcement of the proposal had been mishandled.
