British Sign Language — [Esther McVey in the Chair]

Welcomed the first British Sign Language report and recognised the importance of supporting BSL users, noting improvements in Government communication but highlighting inconsistencies in financial support across local authorities. Pledged to continue advocating for annual reports and improvement plans for each Department. She highlighted the need for specialist support for people fleeing domestic abuse who require sign language interpreters, noting that the abuser often acts as interpreter and that Departments must provide additional support in such cases.

He congratulates Esther McVey on securing the debate, highlighting public service barriers faced by deaf people. He suggests exploring British Sign Language as a GCSE to better support young people in understanding and communicating with deaf individuals.

Urged the Minister not just to introduce a GCSE in BSL but to provide updates on progress, emphasizing the importance of early intervention for deaf children and their families.

Jim Shannon highlighted the importance of British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) in Northern Ireland, noting that approximately 3,500 people use BSL as their first language while around 1,500 use ISL. He emphasized the need for a sustainable number of interpreters in the NHS and suggested incorporating sign language modules into university training programs for nurses and medical students. Shannon also discussed the inclusion of basic sign language education in Northern Ireland schools. He asked the Minister to engage with Education Ministers regarding the inclusion of basic sign language education in schools, citing his grandchildren's experience with rudimentary sign language at school and its potential benefits for understanding those who use it.

Celebrated the eighth anniversary of the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015, highlighting Scotland's strategy with 70 actions across ten long-term BSL ambitions. Emphasised the importance of involving deaf community members in decision-making processes to ensure that lived experience informs decisions. Discussed measures taken during the pandemic, including support for interpreters and initiatives to teach BSL in schools and universities.

Ms Greenwood acknowledged the importance of the BSL Act in recognising British Sign Language and expressed disappointment that only six Departments had used BSL for publicity, with some not producing any communications in BSL during the reporting period. She highlighted the need for Government to provide accessible information to deaf people and stressed the significance of involving the deaf community in creating guidance. Greenwood reflected on the Minister's comments about Departments' efforts in producing British Sign Language communications, suggesting that future reporting should include proportions of announcements made in BSL rather than just raw numbers to provide a clearer picture of Departments' engagement.

The MP paid tribute to the campaigners for the British Sign Language Act and highlighted that its implementation has been disappointing. She criticised low figures for BSL communications from Government Departments, citing examples like No. 10's lack of provision during the cost of living crisis. Foxcroft also questioned why Treasury did not produce any BSL publications regarding the cost of living support available to deaf communities.