Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, signs BDA’s Charter for British Sign Language

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, signed the British Deaf Association’s (BDA) Charter for British Sign Language yesterday in front of an audience of deaf Londoners and organisations who work with deaf people in the city.

The Charter sets out five key pledges:

• consulting with local Deaf people on a regular basis
• ensuring Deaf Londoners have access to information and services
• supporting Deaf children and their families
• ensuring City Hall staff working with Deaf people can communicate effectively using BSL
• promoting learning and high-quality teaching of BSL

He was joined at the signing by the CEO of the BDA, Rebecca Mansell, and the Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard.

Khan said: “Deaf Londoners have a right to participate fully in society without having to face barriers and obstacles. Signing the Charter for British Sign Language is a significant step forward for our city. I want to encourage all employers in the capital to follow our lead and ensure that Deaf Londoners are empowered to reach their potential as we continue building a fairer London for everyone.”

Rebecca Mansell, said: “Last year, UK Parliament recognised British Sign Language as a language of Great Britain, passing into law as the BSL Act 2022. It was an historic day for the Deaf community in the UK. British Sign Language is Britain’s fourth indigenous language, after English, Welsh, and Scottish Gaelic. It is only right that BSL be accorded the same status and legal protection.

“We believe the key to the success of the Act will be the full inclusion and input of Deaf BSL signers from the start of all decision making, policy development, funding and support mechanism processes.

“City Hall is setting an example of how this can be achieved through the adoption of the Charter for British Sign Language. As the only national representative organisation of BSL in the UK, we are looking forward to supporting your BSL journey.”

According to the Mayor’s office, all Mayoral events in Trafalgar Square, including St Patrick’s Day, Black On The Square, Eid, Pride and Diwali, have BSL interpretation. BSL interpreters at People’s Question Time and the State of London Debate ensure Deaf people can participate in discussions about issues affecting them as Londoners. They also say that the Mayor has opened up funding for higher level qualifications in BSL, including interpreting skills to support the professional growth of educators and interpreters.