Their decision was taken in the light of the enthusiastic and positive response to the work of the Nuffield Languages Inquiry, chaired by Sir Trevor McDonald and Sir John Boyd. The Inquiry's report, Languages: the next generation, has attracted remarkable interest and it is clear that there is strong support for its proposal for a national agenda to develop the UK's capability in languages.
 
The Foundation's latest investment will be used to support a programme of initiatives which will help translate the Inquiry's key messages into action. The programme will be steered by a committee which includes the two chairmen and several members from the original Inquiry team as well as new members. The Nuffield Committee is delighted that the Government has recognised the importance of languages for the future wellbeing of the UK, and intends to liaise closely with the Languages National Steering Group announced by Schools Minister Jacqui Smith last week. They will also be seeking active collaboration with the business world and other potential partners to continue its promotion of languages.
 
Sir Trevor announced that, alongside contributing to policy debate, the group is looking forward to promoting specific initiatives: "Our first priority is to start bridging the gap between vision and implementation. We have already begun work with experts on such crucially important areas as the link between languages and employability for the 21st century."
 
The news was welcomed by Lord Watson, Chairman of the English Speaking Union who said that "If the global reach of English is used here in the UK as an exercise for not learning foreign languages, then this country will be the loser. I totally support Nuffield's recommendations because they recognise foreign languages as a key skill for Britain in the 21st Century."
 
Congratulations were also offered by the German and the French Ambassadors. Dr von Ploetz commented that "There is a premium on languages, they give our children a flying start in the knowledge-based society and economy" while M. Bernard welcomed the news from Nuffield and hoped that the new Language Programme will keep the momentum going.