British Sign Language Bill passes final Commons stages as Deaf rally marks ‘momentous’ win

A Bill recognising British Sign Language (BSL) in law cleared its latest hurdle in Parliament on Friday, when MPs backed the proposed legislation at its report stage and third reading.

Deaf campaigners gathered at Trafalgar Square to mark the milestone, on the same date that the UK Government officially recognised BSL in 2003.

Rosie Cooper MP, the Labour politician who introduced the Private Members’ Bill last year, said to MPs: “This is a momentous day for the deaf community. Exactly 19 years ago to the day, British Sign Language was first recognised in a ministerial statement.

“Sadly for the deaf community, not a lot has changed, so today we have the chance to finally commit that recognition to statute.

“We are seeing a BSL revolution before our eyes. Deaf people cannot learn not to be deaf, but hearing people can learn BSL, and they are learning. 

“Huge numbers of people are signing up to BSL courses. People at secondary schools and universities are asking to do it, and I am delighted to say that so are members of this House.”

Meanwhile Vicky Foxcroft MP, the Shadow Minister for Disabled People, said legal recognition of BSL through a new law would be “a huge step forward”.

“[It would be] improving deaf people’s quality of life, their inclusion and autonomy in British society, educational and professional opportunities and even their health outcomes.

Referring to the measures listed in the Bill to introduce guidance on BSL, she added: “I believe this guidance will include the delivery of many public services and help BSL users overcome the current limitations of the Equality Act that sadly mean that many providers do not know how to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for them.”

She concluded by describing the Bill as “something to build upon”, saying: “Trust in this Government is low among disabled people and provisions such as this will not fill the deaf community with hope. 

“Future improvements must strengthen the Act and give it more power.”

BREAKING: David Buxton confirms to the crowd at Trafalgar Square that the #BSLBill has passed through the Commons unopposed! Huge applause from those in attendance. pic.twitter.com/sjgesAaOcZ

— The Limping Chicken | Deaf Blog (@Limping_Chicken) March 18, 2022

As well as granting legal status to BSL and issuing guidance, the Bill would establish a non-statutory council to advise on BSL matters, and require the Work and Pensions Secretary to provide regular reports on what government departments are doing to “promote and facilitate” sign language.

In her contribution to the Commons discussion, Minister for Disabled People Chloe Smith MP revealed she had attended a rehearsal with Deafinitely Theatre – describing the meeting as “inspiring”.

Commenting on the Bill’s progress, she continued: “I am delighted to see how Members across this House have come together to put the recognition of this rich and vibrant language into law and to pass a number of measures that, hopefully, will see an increase in the use of BSL across society.

“I wish to place on record that the explanatory notes of the Bill will be updated to extend this recognition to tactile sign language, which is used and understood by some deafblind people, and to reflect the importance of BSL in deaf culture and community.”

Following contributions from both sides of the House, the BSL Bill passed its final Commons stages unopposed, with Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans congratulating Ms Cooper after the vote.

“You rightly have your place in history for providing a brighter future for many generations to come,” he said.

Meanwhile in Trafalgar Square, Deaf campaigners were seen bursting into applause when the news was shared by David Buxton, chair of the British Deaf Association and founder of the BSL Act Now campaign.

“It’s not the end of the road, it’s the start of the road,” said Mr Buxton, adding the next campaign is to get “BSL in the home and BSL in the schools”.

In a further statement issued to The Limping Chicken, he said: “If the BSL Bill passes into law, we are ready to work hand-in-hand with the UK government to redesign public services that meet the unique needs of the 151,000 people who have British Sign Language as their first or preferred language.

“We also hope that the legal recognition of BSL will encourage many more people across the UK to learn British Sign Language and go on to become interpreters, bilingual professionals and allies of the Deaf community. BSL can bring us all together as a society.”

Friday’s rally, which moved from Parliament Square due to its popularity, also saw a surprise celebrity appearance from Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis, who praised the turnout and told the crowd: “This is what the Deaf community is about.”

After reading a poem from #Deaf poet @RaymondAntrobus, Rose Ayling-Ellis joins those on stage in signing: “BSL Act Now!” #BSLActNow pic.twitter.com/iwHASYqiV5

— The Limping Chicken | Deaf Blog (@Limping_Chicken) March 18, 2022

Ms Cooper and Ms Smith later attended the event, with the former announcing that “my job is at an end – yours starts”.

It’s understood the Bill will now be presented in the House of Lords on Monday, with Lord Holmes of Richmond introducing the proposed legislation to peers.

Ms Smith told MPs in the Commons: “I emphasise to members of the other place [Lords] who may be considering amendments that, at this stage in the session, there is no time for amendments before Royal Assent. 

“Without Royal Assent, there will be nothing, and I think our common aim is to pass this Bill and achieve something really important.”

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.