British Sign Language (BSL) Recognition Bill - Third Reading of the entire bill

Supports the Bill, citing a local school in Putney where hearing pupils are learning BSL from deaf teachers. This initiative is seen as opening up communication throughout the community and represents positive changes across the country.

Praises Rosie Cooper for bringing the Bill to Parliament, acknowledging her work and thanking her for her contributions. Emphasises the importance of passing the Bill in both Houses.

Congratulates Rosie Cooper on the Bill, paying tribute to her and highlighting the personal significance of the debate. He suggests that Bills should pass a 'mum and dad test', underscoring the need for fairness and support in legislation.

Mr Penning supports the recognition of BSL, emphasising its importance for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. He mentions previous attempts to make changes, which did not succeed until now. The Bill aims to address long-standing issues in education, military services, healthcare, and public services by acknowledging BSL as a language. Mr Penning provides statistics indicating that about 80,000 people who are deaf or hard of hearing use BSL and approximately 180,000 people overall use it. He highlights the necessity for interpreters in various settings, such as vaccination centres during the pandemic, and emphasises the importance of compassion and understanding in the healthcare sector.

Foxcroft congratulates Rosie Cooper on her work and recognises British Sign Language as a primary form of communication for 90,000 UK residents. She highlights issues such as employment barriers, education, and healthcare access faced by deaf people in the UK. Foxcroft supports the Bill's provision for legal recognition of BSL and believes it will improve quality of life and inclusion. However, she raises concerns about data collection, non-statutory advisory board composition, transparency, and interaction with other legislation.

Mayhew supports the Bill, stating it is crucial for BSL users. He notes the importance of measuring progress and emphasises that clause 2(1) and (2) will encourage increased work to promote BSL use across Government Departments. Mayhew also highlights the creation of a non-statutory advisory body as important for providing guidance and advice on BSL.

Hudson briefly interjected to congratulate Rosie Cooper on the Bill, agreeing with Jerome Mayhew that the guidance provided will ensure equality of access across Government Departments.

Ms Marson supports the Bill, celebrating tangible progress made since Second Reading. She highlights wider societal implications of recognising BSL as an official language, emphasising equality for people with hearing loss or difficulties. Citing statistics on hearing impairment and children’s literacy improvements through subtitles, she stresses the importance of inclusivity in education and communication methods. Marson also mentions attitudinal shifts towards unity between hearing and deaf communities, advocating for protected language status for BSL to promote cultural heritage and reduce social isolation among older populations.

Mr Williams praises the Bill's progress and the hon. Member for West Lancashire for her efforts. He acknowledges the cross-party support and the work of the Minister in moving this forward. Williams notes that while BSL is not a panacea, it marks significant progress towards equality and accessibility. He declares personal interest as someone with hearing loss in one ear, appreciating the RNID's and British Deaf Association's efforts to champion day-to-day rights and education for those affected by hearing impairment.

She supports the Bill and recognises its importance in providing recognition to British Sign Language users. She praises the hon. Member for West Lancashire for her hard work in bringing forward this private Member’s Bill and for giving hope to those who feel helpless about issues such as Ukraine. She also highlights the need for BSL to be taught in schools and suggests creating opportunities for children to experience a day in the life of a deaf person.

He supports declaring British Sign Language an official language, citing its essential role for those with profound hearing loss. He highlights that BSL users deserve equal access to services and the opportunity to be heard in their chosen language. He also mentions his work at HMPPS and suggests meeting to address difficulties faced by deaf people in prison. Furthermore, he praises schools offering BSL courses and discusses local support services for hearing-impaired individuals.

Congratulates Rosie Cooper on her work on the Bill; mentions the Darlington Association on Disability and the Head of Steam museum, both supportive of BSL recognition. Emphasises that BSI is a vital lifeline for 250,000 people in the UK and should receive legal status as other indigenous languages do.

Intervenes to ask if BSL tours of Parliament are available; suggests it would be beneficial for schools around the country.

Praises Rosie Cooper for bringing forward the Bill; discusses personal experiences with deaf family members and emphasises the importance of legal recognition. Supports inclusion of BSL as a qualification in schools’ curriculum.

Mr. Baynes expressed his support for the Bill, emphasising its impact on equality and the recognition of British Sign Language in government services. He mentioned local organisations supporting deaf communities in his constituency and quoted the BDA’s statement about the Bill being a significant step towards protecting and promoting BSL users' rights.

The Minister congratulated Members on championing BSL, praising Deafinitely Theatre and the recognition of deaf actors in film. She emphasised the Government's commitment to supporting the Bill, including updates to explanatory notes, measures to promote BSL use, and a non-statutory advisory board. The Minister also addressed concerns raised by other MPs regarding data collection and interpretation at press conferences.

The right hon. Member called for cross-party support to avoid amendments that could delay or jeopardise the Bill's passage, emphasising the importance of getting the legislation on the statute book.

The hon. Member reiterated the long-standing efforts to achieve recognition for BSL and urged all parties to avoid amendments that could delay progress, encouraging the House of Lords to support the Bill without changes.

The Member congratulated Rosie Cooper on her success and recognised the importance of delivering a brighter future for generations through this legislation.