Labour’s proposal to shift England’s migrant language exams from supervised centres to an online format has drawn sharp public backlash. A YouGov survey released this week found 68% of respondents oppose the change, while the Home Office has floated a £816 million contract that could see language‑learning app Duolingo run the new tests .

68% of the public reject the online test shift, YouGov finds

According to the YouGov poll of more than 2,000 adults, 68% of those surveyed are against replacing in‑person tests with an online version, and only 22% support the move. The poll also notes that 46% “strongly opposed” the plan, a sentiment shared by 35% of Labour voters from the last general election. The remainder were undecided.

£816 million Home Office contract earmarked for online exams

The Home Office has advertised a £816 million tender to develop the digital testing platform, a figure disclosed in the government’s procurement notice. Critics argue that moving to an online format could make the system vulnerable to cheating, dubbing it a “fraudsters’ charter.” The contract would replace the current invigilated, A‑level‑equivalent assessments that migrants must pass to obtain visas.

Duolingo’s private meetings with Lord Stockwood raise transparency questions

Documents obtained under freedom‑of‑information laws reveal that business minister Lord Stockwood met privately with Duolingo co‑founder Luis von Ahn and UK director Michael Lynas on 24 September 2023. The minister reportedly said he would “flag the discussion to No 10,” just weeks before the tender details were published in November. The government previously denied any such talks, and a Department for Business and Trade spokesperson later claimed it held no relevant information.

Peter Mandelson’s lobbying firm linked to Duolingo’s bid

Industry insiders note that Duolingo hired Global Counsel, the lobbying outfit co‑founded by former Labour minister Peter Mandelson, between July and September 2024. although the contract with Global Counsel had ended by the time of the September meeting, the timing fuels speculation about the firm’s role in securing ministerial access. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp warned that remote testing could become a “fraudsters’ charter” and that “cheating will be rife.”

Parliamentary inquiries highlight lack of detail on the procurement process

Conservative MP Blake Stephenson recently asked Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for details on discussions with Duolingo, prompting border minister Mike Tapp to respond that disclosing individual organisations’ participation would be inappropriate. the lack of transparency has prompted calls for a clearer explanation of how the £816 million contract will be awarded and overseen .

Who will ultimately run the tests? The unanswered “Duolingo or who?” question

The poll and documents leave two key uncertainties: whether Duolingo will indeed win the contract and how the government will safeguard against cheating in a fully online environment. No official statement has confirmed Duolingo as the preferred bidder, and the mechanisms for test integrity remain vague.