PRESTON'S MP has accused Home Secretary David Blunkett of using 'patronising language' to people from minority backgrounds who don't speak English at home.

It follows the publication of an essay in a book entitled 'Reclaiming Britishness' in which Mr Blunkett claims speaking English at home helps prevent 'schizophrenia which bedevils generational relationships'.

His essay goes on: "In as many as 30 per cent of Asian British households, according to the recent citizenship survey, English is not spoken at home."

Labour MP Mark Hendrick said: "The Home Secretary has good intentions, but occasionally he tends to put his foot in it by assuming patronising language.

"While 30 per cent of minorities converse in a language other than English at home, most people do speak in English."

Leaders of ethnic minority groups in the area have raised concerns over the minister's essay for the Foreign Policy Centre, London.

Ishwer Tailor, president of the Gujarat Hindu Society, South Meadow Lane, said: "There's nothing wrong with using your own language at home. If I want to speak to my 70-year-old mother she is more comfortable if my children and I speak in Gujarati.

"Most people, at work or school speak English. At home it's nice to be able to express yourself in your mother tongue."

And Hussain Mulla, treasurer of the Gujarat Sunni Muslim Community Centre, Eldon Street, said: "The younger generation speak English all day at school and when they play. If we don't speak the language and teach them the culture and values at home, then they will lose them." To read the essay log on to www.fpc.org.uk