THE government is failing to ensure new migrants can speak English, according to a US-born North-East academic.

Professor Thom Brooks, from Durham Law School, says government attempts to tighten English language requirements for new British citizens are inadequate.

“The government has made a dog’s dinner of making migrants prove knowledge of English,” the outspoken academic said.

“Expired out-of-date qualifications are accepted as proof under the new rules.”

Prof Brooks, from New Haven, Connecticut, previously condemned the citizenship test as flawed and like a bad pub quiz.

He passed the test in 2011, having moved to the UK in 2009.

“The government should close the door on unnecessary loopholes and support a standard English test.

“This will better improve and maintain standards while providing crucial income for English language services under increasing strain,” he said.