Language training and teaching in the UK is in a sorry state - or rather, the uptake of it is! The number of students studying a foreign language to GCSE or to A-level has plummeted in recent years in England.

Today, I was shocked to read on the website of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting that the University of Bradford's course in Translation and Interpreting is to be discontinued due to funding issues. This is not an airy-fairy course - this was a real-world course that trained would-be translators and interpreters in the skills that they need to become professional translators. I know some really good translators who did the Bradford University course. It seems I am not alone in being shocked... there is a petition to urge the Prime Minister to look closely at the provision of language training in the UK. If this concerns you, please do sign it!