John, here is the essence of this new English Language requirement:-
From 29 November 2010, any non-European migrant who wants to enter or remain in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or a person settled here will need to show that they can speak and understand English, which allows them to cope with everyday life in the UK, by taking an English language test with one of our approved test providers.
You will need to meet the requirement if:
you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland; and
you are in a relationship with a British citizen or a person settled here; and
you want to apply to enter or remain in the UK as their husband, wife, civil partner, fiance(e), proposed civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner