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British Sign Language Bill - Sitting 1

23 February 2022

Proposing MP
Maria Miller Con
Basingstoke
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

Maria Miller is discussing Clause 1 of the British Sign Language Bill, which aims to recognise BSL as an official language. Maria Miller is addressing the progress and changes made to the British Sign Language (BSL) Bill, emphasizing collaboration with deaf organizations and the government. Maria Eagle discusses the progress of the British Sign Language Bill and the importance of recognising BSL in statute. The MPs are discussing the British Sign Language Bill and its importance for deaf communities, including providing equal access to education through qualifications such as GCSE in BSL. The statement discusses the British Sign Language (BSL) Bill and its potential impact on deaf communities in the UK. The statement discusses the British Sign Language Bill and its aim to recognise BSL as a language in statute. The statement discusses the British Sign Language Bill and its aims, including increasing access to BSL interpretation and promoting usage across Great Britain. The statement discusses the progress and importance of the British Sign Language Bill.

Action Requested

Miller proposes that Clauses 2 to 4 and the schedule be debated alongside Clause 1. She also introduces Amendment 1 to align the long title with the bill's contents.

Key Facts

  • The British Sign Language Bill includes clauses for recognition of BSL, reporting requirements, and guidance issuance.
  • Amendment 1 modifies the long title of the Bill.
  • The original Bill proposed declaring BSL as an official language of the UK, which was changed to 'recognise' BSL as a language due to legal constraints.
  • A non-statutory advisory board will be created instead of a statutory council to avoid creating new public expenditure.
  • The advisory board will develop guidance for ministerial Departments and public bodies impacting approximately 90,000 deaf people.
  • Each ministerial Department is required to report every three years on their use of BSL in public communications.
  • The British Sign Language Bill aims to improve access to public services for those who use BSL.
  • Recognition of BSL was declared in a declaratory form by Andrew Smith in 2003.
  • The Bill will focus the minds of officials and Ministers on the needs, aspirations and requirements of deaf people.
  • Around 70 children on Anglesey are registered as deaf or hard of hearing.
  • A pilot by Signature was carried out in 2015 regarding a GCSE in British Sign Language.
  • Scotland has BSL qualifications from level 3 to an unspecified high level.
  • British Sign Language is the primary form of communication for approximately 90,000 residents of the UK.
  • The Bill aims to achieve legal recognition for BSL as the primary language of the deaf community in the United Kingdom.
  • There are concerns about insufficient data collection on BSL users and the non-statutory status of advisory boards.
  • The Bill was recognised in a ministerial statement in 2003.
  • Clause 1(2) ensures legal certainty and maintains the Equality Act's balance of protections.
  • Clause 2 requires regular reporting by Departments on their efforts to promote BSL use.
  • A non-statutory advisory board will represent diverse BSL users and advise on guidance.
  • Additional measures include increasing interpreter numbers, updating Access to Work products, and revising the national disability strategy.
  • Officials are examining the composition and remit of the board.
  • The MP aims to confirm board details by summer and seek nominations for members.
  • Access to Work should be widely known and adopted.
  • The Equality Act 2010 provides rights relevant to the Bill's aims.
  • NHS providers have a legal duty to meet the needs of deaf people under the Equality Act and accessible information standard.
  • The Bill aims to legally recognise British Sign Language (BSL) in England, Wales, and Scotland.
  • The legislation requires the Secretary of State to report on the promotion and facilitation of BSL use by ministerial government departments.
  • Guidance is to be issued regarding the needs of BSL users.
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