Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Sign Language

Wednesday 8 June 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government supported a private Member's Bill to recognise British Sign Language as a language of Great Britain
  • Government aims to improve public knowledge and awareness of BSL through guidance
  • Linguistic exclusion affects education and job opportunities for deaf people who use BSL

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Levy
Context

No specific background event or incident mentioned.

Question

What steps the Government are taking to improve public knowledge and awareness of sign language.

Answer from Chloe Smith

The Government were delighted to support the private Member's Bill to recognise British Sign Language as a language of Great Britain. We will improve public knowledge and awareness of BSL, including through guidance that will help to promote and facilitate the use of the language, and much more.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer lacks specific steps or initiatives and does not provide concrete commitments on how public knowledge and awareness will be improved.

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Q2 Ian Levy
Context

The question follows the introduction of the British Sign Language Act 2022, recognising BSL as an official language in England, Scotland and Wales. Families in Blyth Valley report ongoing discrimination in free sign language classes and educational opportunities for deaf children.

Question

I welcome the introduction of the British Sign Language Act 2022, recognising BSL as an official language in England, Scotland and Wales. However, families in Blyth Valley still feel discriminated against in such areas as free sign language classes and educational opportunities for deaf children in schools. Does my right hon. Friend agree that there is still much more to be done to improve the lives of people in our communities?

Answer from Chloe Smith

We are passionate about improving opportunities for deaf people who use BSL and increasing general public understanding of deaf people's language and culture. Linguistic exclusion is a problem and can affect education, jobs and more.

Not addressed: The answer does not address the specific concerns raised or provide concrete steps to tackle ongoing discrimination.

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