THE Government has been accused of hypocrisy in denying sections of the community the opportunity to learn English while at the same time it has called for communities to integrate.

Student, Qasir Mehmood has written to his local MP, Ruth Kelly, urging her to oppose funding cuts in Esol courses - which teaches English to speakers of other languages.

From September 2007, the courses will no longer be automatically free.

Mr Mehmood, aged 18, who attends Bolton Community College, said: "It is very important to learn English, it helps you progress and integrate in society.

"There are many people who will not be able to carry on the course. There are many asylum seekers in our class who will not be able to have Esol classes as they are not allowed to work."

Mr Mehmood, who lives on Grisdale Road, Bolton, moved to Bolton two years ago from Pakistan to stay with relatives and was given a student visa.

He works part-time in a shop and is at college five days a week.

He said: "I want to continue my study but I feel it is very difficult to pay to live and to pay for studies.

"I am afraid many people will have to give up the courses which will stop them from going on to make a positive contribution to society. I need to do Esol so I can go on and get some more qualifications to get a proper job."

In the new academic year, only unemployed people or those receiving income-based benefits will have their fees waived if they want to learn English.

Adult asylum seekers who are awaiting the outcome of applications to stay in Britain will not qualify for free Esol, and because immigration laws ban them from working they will be unable to pay for them.

Bolton Community College's University and College Union representative, George Heyes said: "The cuts in Esol seem to be completely opposite to the Government's present focus on integration.

"Asylum seekers will suffer because they will not be able to afford the classes."