UK Language Policy Quo Vadis? Language Learning in the UK Post Brexit

This chapter offers both a systematic overview and critical evaluation of current MFL policy developments in all four UK nations, in view of their very different demarches, in particular concerning differences between England and other UK nations. After presenting current MFL policies both for the Primary and Secondary sector in all four nations, developments in UK language learning are critically evaluated from three different perspectives: a) public discourses around this topic, b) language learning in Anglophone countries in the context of Global English, c) implication of Brexit on the future of language learning in the UK. This evaluation leads to conclude that in all four nations, policy initiatives, including very ambitious ones -as exemplified by Scotland- are vulnerable to underreaching their targets, as a result of lack of longitudinal funding, poor long term planning and continual problems regarding staffing shortages and staff training. Implications regarding future UK language needs, and future EU relations, are also discussed.