A SUGGESTION to make new immigrants learn English and take an oath of allegiance to the Queen has been given a mixed reaction by Asians.

The controversial proposals come out of the Cantle report into the summer riots in Burnley, Oldham and Bradford.

The report says speaking good English is vital for those who want to be British citizens and he wants all new citizens to at least speak some English and promise to become fluent and learn to read and write in reasonable time.

Home Secretary David Blunkett promised to act on the recommendations saying: "We can't tiptoe around these issues."

Iqbal Hussain, 34, is a restaurant worker of Hebrew Road, Burnley.

He said: "I don't know what good it would do.

"We are already loyal to this country, it sounds like an immediate reaction that won't solve anything.

Shakel Patel, 19, is a student from Stoneyholme, Burnley. He said: "I'm sure that anyone coming to this country would swear an oath to it.

"But I don't know whether you should make them do it.

"Plus if you want to get into a country you would do anything, so swearing an oath might not mean anything."

Iftikhar Khan, 22, is a businessman from Persia Street, Accrington. He said: "What would it solve?

"Everyone is loyal to Britain, we work hard and pay taxes -- that is an oath of allegiance.

"Will they ask Irish people to swear an oath when they come here?"