đź‘Ź British Sign Language Week

Westminster Hall

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In a heartfelt parliamentary debate, MPs celebrated British Sign Language Week, highlighting BSL’s importance as more than just a language but a vital tool for communication and inclusion within the deaf community. They discussed the need for better access to BSL education, particularly for parents of deaf children, and the overdue introduction of a BSL GCSE to empower deaf individuals and increase societal awareness. Concerns were raised about the patchy availability of BSL services across the UK, urging the government to take action to ensure universal access and support. The session underscored the ongoing efforts and future commitments needed to enhance the lives of BSL users and promote their full participation in society.

Summary

  • The session focused on British Sign Language (BSL) Week, with live BSL interpretation provided in the room and available on parliamentlive.tv.

  • Jen Craft MP highlighted BSL’s importance as more than just a language; it represents culture, community, and belonging for 87,000 first-language signers in the UK.

  • MPs acknowledged the progress made, including the legal recognition of BSL through the British Sign Language Act 2022, but emphasized that much more needs to be done to improve access and inclusion.

  • There was a call for a national programme to ensure all parents of deaf children have access to relevant BSL lessons, no matter where they live, as current provision is inconsistent across the country.

  • MPs expressed concerns about the delay in rolling out a BSL GCSE, which is seen as crucial for promoting BSL and increasing employment opportunities for deaf people.

  • The debate touched on the challenges deaf people face in accessing public services, including healthcare, and the need for better BSL interpretation in these settings.

  • Suggestions were made for mandatory BSL training for MPs and their staff to improve engagement with deaf constituents, and for BSL to be part of the school curriculum.

  • The Minister for Social Security and Disability reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the BSL Act, including annual reporting on BSL use in government communications.

  • MPs and the Minister discussed the potential of technology, including AI, to break down barriers for the deaf community, with a focus on ensuring deaf people lead the design of such solutions.

  • The session concluded with a call for continued efforts to make Parliament and politics more accessible to deaf people, and for next year’s debate to be held in the main Chamber with live interpreters.

Divisiveness

The session on British Sign Language Week exhibits very little disagreement among the participants. The debate primarily focuses on the promotion and inclusion of British Sign Language (BSL), with all speakers generally aligning on the importance of enhancing BSL usage and support across various sectors including education, healthcare, and public services. The atmosphere was cooperative and supportive, with members sharing personal stories, advocating for better access to BSL courses, and expressing a collective desire to improve conditions for the deaf community. There were no visible conflicts or opposing viewpoints.

Specific examples of the lack of disagreement include: - Jen Craft’s opening statement is followed by supportive interventions from members like Chris Vince, who raises the issue of accessibility in politics without opposing the main narrative but adding to it. - Alison Hume supports the need for fluent signers as teachers, in line with the overarching theme of the debate, and Jen Craft agrees with this view. - Ben Coleman discusses the delay in rolling out a BSL GCSE and seeks support rather than opposition, receiving an affirmative response from Jen Craft. - Other members, such as Matt Vickers, Julie Minns, Perran Moon, and Chris Vince, reiterate the need for improved BSL services and education, with no conflicting opinions expressed. - Jim Shannon highlights positive local initiatives without any opposition to the general call for better BSL accessibility. - Matt Turmaine discusses challenges faced by the deaf community regarding public service access, which is met with agreement and similar concerns from other members. - Amanda Hack and Clive Jones contribute to the debate with further examples of the necessity for BSL provision, again without dissension. - Mims Davies from the opposition expresses appreciation for the progress made on BSL legislation and calls for further action, reflecting a cooperative approach rather than a partisan dispute. - The Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, reaffirms the government’s commitment to implementing the BSL Act, responding positively to requests for more information and engagement, and showing willingness to work across party lines.

Given the lack of any evident disagreement and the predominant theme of cooperative advocacy for improved BSL support, the session is rated as having minimal disagreement, warranting a score of 1.