I can't hang around waiting to retrain all primary school teachers in modern foreign languages so we have to get the skill from wherever we can

Estelle Morris

The proposal prompted criticism, notably from European ambassadors who said the British were lagging behind in this area.

But, in what some described as a "spoiler" to the announcement, the government announced it was to bring in language learning for primary school pupils aged seven and above.

Ms Morris said languages were hugely important in terms of employment prospects, but said the government had to face the reality and address the lack of interest in schools.

"I wish we weren't where we are, but we are and I think that, now and again, you just have to take that deep breath and make a decision," she told the PA News agency.

Calling fluent speakers

Starting language learning early was essential and Ms Morris said she was keen to get business people, secondary school teachers, university students, academics and parents fluent in another tongue to spend time in their local primary school.

The government had already experimented with paying language undergraduates to teach in some junior schools, she said.

Last week Ms Morris said modern languages would not be compulsory after 14

"I've got to get the skills from wherever I can because we've not got enough teachers."

She wanted to encourage university lecturers in modern foreign languages (MFL) to go into primary schools.

"And those businesses that have got MFL speakers because they've got MFL connections, I'd like to move them into primary schools as well," said Ms Morris.

She stressed that qualified teachers would be "in charge" at all times.

"But one of my ambitions for the teaching profession is that it uses a wider range of skills and qualifications than it does at the moment and MFL is a perfect example of where we need to do it.

"I can't hang around waiting to retrain all primary school teachers in modern foreign languages so we have to get the skill from wherever we can," she said.