BSL Week: Amplifying Deaf Voices in Parliament

This episode explores the vibrant discussions during British Sign Language Week in the UK Parliament. We listen in as Members of Parliament examine the significance of BSL as a language, culture, and cornerstone of the deaf community's identity. The conversation unpacks the progress made since the British Sign Language Act 2022, while also shining a light on the persistent barriers faced by BSL users in accessing education, healthcare, employment, and public services. Discover the passionate calls for improved BSL provision, including early years support for families and the crucial rollout of the BSL GCSE.

Read extended shownotes on Substack.

Key Takeaways:

• BSL is recognised as more than just a language; it embodies culture, community, and belonging for its users.
• The British Sign Language Act 2022 was a landmark achievement granting legal recognition and promoting its inclusion in government.
• Significant accessibility challenges remain for BSL users in various aspects of daily life, including accessing GP services and understanding written English.
• There are urgent calls for national funding and a universal service for BSL support for families of deaf children.
• The delayed rollout of the BSL GCSE is a source of concern, as it is seen as vital for promoting BSL awareness and creating opportunities.
• Members of Parliament are being encouraged to learn basic BSL to better communicate with their constituents.
• The debate highlighted the importance of including deaf individuals in the design and delivery of services and policies that affect them.
• Technology, including video relay services and AI, holds potential for improving accessibility for BSL users.

Source: British Sign Language Week. Volume 764: debated on Thursday 20 March 2025

Follow and subscribe to 'The Bench Report' on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube for new episodes daily: thebenchreport.co.uk

Subscribe to our Substack

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: thebenchreportuk@gmail.com

Follow us on YouTube, X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! @benchreportUK

Support us for bonus and extended episodes + more.

No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0...

Transcript

UNKNOWN 0:00

Thank you.

SPEAKER_00 0:03

Hello, Benchwarmers, and welcome again to The Bench Report. You're listening to Amy and Ivan.

SPEAKER_01 0:08

Hello, everyone.

SPEAKER_00 0:09

This time, we're diving deep into British Sign Language Week and a really interesting parliamentary debate that just happened in the UK.

SPEAKER_01 0:18

Precisely. We've got the actual record of that debate, the Hansard record. So we're getting a, well, a front row seat to what members of parliament were talking about.

SPEAKER_00 0:26

What issues they flagged up.

SPEAKER_01 0:27

Exactly. And ultimately, what it all reveals about BSL in the UK today for you.

SPEAKER_00 0:32

Absolutely. Our goal for you in this deep dive is to, you know, extract the crucial insights from that discussion.

SPEAKER_01 0:39

Get right to the heart of it.

SPEAKER_00 0:40

We want you to finish this with a solid grasp of why BSL holds such significance, the headway that's been made in its recognition.

SPEAKER_01 0:48

And the big challenges, the areas where we still face hurdles in achieving greater accessibility.

SPEAKER_00 0:53

There were some genuinely eye-opening points raised, so let's get straight to it.

SPEAKER_01 0:57

Let's start by unpacking a really key idea that Jen Craft highlighted right at the beginning of the debate.

SPEAKER_00 1:02

Okay, what was that?

SPEAKER_01 1:03

She pointed out that for the 87,000 individuals in the UK who use BSL as their first language, it's far more than just a means of communication.

SPEAKER_00 1:14

Right. It's more fundamental.

SPEAKER_01 1:15

It embodies their culture, their community, and their sense of belonging. That's a powerful starting point.

SPEAKER_00 1:20

It really hit home when she shared her personal connection to sign language.

SPEAKER_01 1:24

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 1:24

Her daughter has Down syndrome and experiences hearing loss. And Jen and her husband use sign-supported English. That's where signs are used alongside spoken English, often following English word order at home.

SPEAKER_01 1:37

So it's part of their family life.

SPEAKER_00 1:38

Completely.

SPEAKER_01 1:39

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 1:39

Something as fundamental as saying, I love you, involves sign for their family. It really underscores how essential this language is in their daily lives.

SPEAKER_01 1:47

It does. And it's worth remembering that BSL isn't a recent development. Its history stretches back centuries.

SPEAKER_00 1:53

Wow, centuries.

SPEAKER_01 1:54

Uh-huh, with documentation existing from the 17th century. Yet, remarkably, it wasn't officially recognized as a language until 2003. That

SPEAKER_00 2:02

late.

British Sign Language Act 2022

SPEAKER_01 2:03

And it took until the British Sign Language Act in 2022 for that recognition to become enshrined in law.

SPEAKER_00 2:10

We should definitely acknowledge the tireless work of Rosie Cooper, the former MP, who was a real champion for that act.

SPEAKER_01 2:16

Absolutely. It was her dedication that really pushed it through.

SPEAKER_00 2:19

That act really does seem like it was a watershed moment. It legally mandated the promotion and inclusion of BSL within government bodies.

SPEAKER_01 2:27

And led to the establishment of the BSL Advisory Board.

SPEAKER_00 2:30

That sounds vital. Making sure the lived experiences of deaf signers are central to government policy decisions.

SPEAKER_01 2:36

What's particularly interesting is the tangible impact of that Act. Between May 2023 and April 2024, the amount of BSL content in government communications actually doubled.

SPEAKER_00 2:48

Doubled. That's significant.

SPEAKER_01 2:49

And the number of government departments that hadn't produced any BSL communications at all was halved.

SPEAKER_00 2:54

Okay, so progress but.

SPEAKER_01 2:56

But, and this is key, the fact that five departments still have zero BSL output underscores that legal frameworks alone aren't enough.

SPEAKER_00 3:05

Right, you need consistent implementation, a real cultural shift.

SPEAKER_01 3:08

Exactly. That's significant progress but also a clear indicator that there's still, you know, work to be done.

Ongoing challenges - accessibilty and inclusion

SPEAKER_00 3:14

Absolutely. As Gencraft rightly pointed out, five government departments still had no BSL communications during that period. So while we've come a considerable distance, there's definitely more ground to cover.

SPEAKER_01 3:25

Which leads us directly to the ongoing challenges, particularly in the realm of accessibility and inclusion.

SPEAKER_00 3:31

Where are the sticking points?

SPEAKER_01 3:32

Well, Chris Vince raised a crucial point about accessibility right within Parliament itself.

SPEAKER_00 3:37

Within the House?

SPEAKER_01 3:38

Yes. He emphasized the desire of BSL first language speakers not just to have access to political discourse, but to actively participate in it. Their voices need to be heard directly.

SPEAKER_00 3:50

And it's heartening to hear that MPs are even making an effort to learn some basic parliamentary science.

Postcode lottery of BSL support

SPEAKER_01 3:55

It shows a growing awareness, maybe, a willingness to try and bridge that communication divide.

SPEAKER_00 4:00

But the debate also shone a light on a really concerning issue that GenCraft termed the postcode lottery of BSL support for families with deaf children.

SPEAKER_01 4:09

Ah, the postcode lottery. That phrase comes up so often.

SPEAKER_00 4:13

It really highlights the inconsistent provision of essential services across different regions, doesn't it? Creating significant disparities.

SPEAKER_01 4:21

So So a key insight here is the profound inequality in access to BSL support, depending solely on where a family happens to live.

SPEAKER_00 4:29

And the statistic that nearly half of all local authorities don't provide, fund, or even commission any sign language courses for families. That's frankly shocking.

SPEAKER_01 4:39

According to the National Deaf Children's Society, yes. Imagine being a parent of a deaf child and facing such a fundamental barrier.

SPEAKER_00 4:46

Just wanting to communicate.

SPEAKER_01 4:48

Exactly. And the current alternatives often don't meet the specific needs of these families. GenCraft gave a really relatable example.

SPEAKER_00 4:56

What was that?

SPEAKER_01 4:56

How adult community college courses, while offering a general intro to BSL, frequently focus on vocabulary that isn't immediately relevant for communicating with a young child.

SPEAKER_00 5:05

Right. You don't need complex political terms You

SPEAKER_01 5:08

need signs for basic needs and affections like milk, mummy, daddy, play, book, and biscuit. That's what parents urgently need, not necessarily broader conversational topics suited for adult learners.

SPEAKER_00 5:21

It's those everyday interactions that are so absolutely crucial for a child's development and for building those early bonds.

Delays with BSL GCSE

SPEAKER_01 5:27

Definitely. The debate also touched on the ongoing delay in rolling out the BSL GCSE.

SPEAKER_00 5:33

The secondary school qualification. That seems like a really important step towards mainstreaming. BSL.

SPEAKER_01 5:39

Giving it the academic recognition it deserves. What's fascinating here is that, as Ben Coleman and Jen Craft pointed out, there are already existing BSL qualifications widely recognized by the deaf community.

SPEAKER_00 5:51

So why the delay with the GCSE?

SPEAKER_01 5:53

That's the source of frustration, particularly when there's such a pressing need for more confident and fluent BSL signers across the country.

SPEAKER_00 6:00

And then there's the stark reality of the employment gap. Jen Craft shared a really concerning statistic.

SPEAKER_01 6:06

What was the figure?

SPEAKER_00 6:07

Only 30 77% of BSL first language speakers are currently in work, compared to a much higher 77% of hearing people without a separate disability.

SPEAKER_01 6:16

Wow, that's a massive disparity. Clearly points to significant systemic barriers.

SPEAKER_00 6:21

So a key insight here is the profound systemic disadvantage faced by BSL users in the job market.

SPEAKER_01 6:26

It highlights that language access isn't just about communication, it's about economic opportunity and equality.

SPEAKER_00 6:32

This really underscores the pervasive barriers that BSL users continue to encounter. Accessing health care is another significant challenge that was brought up.

SPEAKER_01 6:41

SignHealth reported that a staggering 67% of deaf people have no accessible way to contact their GP, their local doctor.

SPEAKER_00 6:50

67%. That's huge. How do they manage? Well, that's the problem.

SPEAKER_01 6:55

And the impact on their overall well-being is significant, with deaf people being considerably more likely to experience mental health problems.

SPEAKER_00 7:02

And it's so important to remember, as was emphasized, BSL is a completely distinct language from spoken English. with

SPEAKER_01 7:08

its own grammar, its own syntax.

SPEAKER_00 7:10

So interpretation is absolutely necessary even for written communication as the structure and nuances differ greatly.

SPEAKER_01 7:16

Matt Vickers shared a really insightful personal anecdote about visiting the sign.

SPEAKER_00 7:20

An organization focused on deaf inclusion.

Daily frustrations and social exclusion

SPEAKER_01 7:23

Yes, and the profound understanding he gained that written English is not a direct equivalent to BSL. This really brought to life the daily frustrations.

SPEAKER_00 7:32

Like what kind of frustrations?

SPEAKER_01 7:34

Navigating inaccessible public services, things like understanding council tax bills, or even changes to bin collection schedules. Simple things for most people.

SPEAKER_00 7:43

But potentially huge barriers.

SPEAKER_01 7:46

And the example he shared about families having to interpret complex medical diagnoses for their deaf loved ones, that was particularly heartbreaking.

SPEAKER_00 7:54

Oh, absolutely. You need professional interpreters for that.

SPEAKER_01 7:56

It underscored the critical need for them in such situations.

SPEAKER_00 7:59

Mrs. Julie Minns echoed this crucial point, emphasizing that for over 150,000 people in the UK, BSL was their first or preferred language.

SPEAKER_01 8:09

And they may face significant challenges with written English and accessing vital information presented that way.

SPEAKER_00 8:15

Or experience with the electricity distribution network, initially misunderstanding the need for video relay access.

SPEAKER_01 8:21

Where a remote interpreter facilitates communication.

SPEAKER_00 8:24

Exactly. It really illustrated this lack of basic awareness within essential services.

SPEAKER_01 8:29

And while some organizations are now starting to offer video relay services, it's far from being a universal standard.

SPEAKER_00 8:35

Still patchy provision.

SPEAKER_01 8:36

Very much so. The fact that vital utility providers like gas and electricity in areas like Carlisle still don't offer this essential access clearly demonstrates the significant gaps.

SPEAKER_00 8:47

All of these linguistic barriers, as the debate highlighted, unfortunately lead to significant social exclusion for VSL users.

SPEAKER_01 8:55

Severely impacting their opportunities and experiences in crucial areas like employment, education, health care.

SPEAKER_00 9:02

Even the justice system. It's a pervasive issue with far-reaching consequences.

SPEAKER_01 9:06

It's interesting to note that even within Parliament itself, there's a growing awareness.

SPEAKER_00 9:10

You mentioned MPs learning science.

SPEAKER_01 9:11

Yes. And the introductory BSL training session that Alison Hume and Ms. Minns mentioned for MPs really brought home the visual and spatial nature of the language.

SPEAKER_00 9:20

And how unintentional exclusion can easily occur if communication isn't carefully considered.

SPEAKER_01 9:26

Precisely. The fact that only just over a year ago, BSL coverage for questions and statements in the commons was introduced.

SPEAKER_00 9:32

Only a year ago.

Lack of early BSL training

SPEAKER_01 9:33

And it still leaves over 50% of parliamentary business without sign language interpretation. Well, it speaks volumes about the journey still ahead. Karan

SPEAKER_00 9:44

Boon shared a really moving story from his constituent, Katie.

SPEAKER_01 9:48

What was her story about?

SPEAKER_00 9:49

The significant lack of early BSL training and support for parents of deaf children and her ongoing persistent fight for access to relevant courses.

SPEAKER_01 9:59

That fight for early support seems critical.

SPEAKER_00 10:02

And the fact that parents are sometimes advised to make a difficult choice between BSL and spoken language for their children.

SPEAKER_01 10:08

That sounds incredibly counterproductive.

SPEAKER_00 10:10

It's frankly baffling and completely undermines the potential for bilingualism and full communication access.

SPEAKER_01 10:17

And the issue of funding for BSL courses. often falling under the Adult Skills Fund.

SPEAKER_00 10:22

Creates a real barrier for working parents who can't access courses during typical working hours.

SPEAKER_01 10:26

Exactly. This, combined with the postcode lottery, means many families are left without the essential support they desperately need.

Areas of progress

SPEAKER_00 10:34

It feels like a systemic failure that needs addressing urgently.

SPEAKER_01 10:37

But despite these very real challenges, the debate did also highlight some important areas of progress and potential future directions.

SPEAKER_00 10:44

OK, so what were the positive signs?

SPEAKER_01 10:46

Chris Vince, for instance, spoke with clear commitment about his ongoing efforts to improve BSL accessibility within his local constituency work.

SPEAKER_00 10:55

Taking practical steps.

SPEAKER_01 10:57

And his strong desire to see greater and more meaningful political participation for BSL users at all levels.

SPEAKER_00 11:04

It's encouraging to hear that focus on local improvements,

SPEAKER_01 11:06

too. and also highlighted some positive developments in Northern Ireland.

SPEAKER_00 11:10

It's happening there.

SPEAKER_01 11:12

Both British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language have official recognition and initiatives like the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Sign Language Video Relay Service are making a tangible difference.

SPEAKER_00 11:23

That sounds like a great initiative.

SPEAKER_01 11:25

Matt Tremaine's account from the Watford Deaf Club really brought the ongoing everyday challenges into sharp focus though.

SPEAKER_00 11:32

What kind of issues did they raise?

SPEAKER_01 11:34

Persistent problems like inconsistent visibility and quality of BSL interpreters on TV, lack of subtitles on certain channels, and even politicians' online videos.

SPEAKER_00 11:44

Still basic access issues, then.

SPEAKER_01 11:46

And continued difficulties accessing essential public services like the NHS, MP surgeries, emergency services.

SPEAKER_00 11:52

And he mentioned a specific, quite shocking case.

SPEAKER_01 11:56

Yes, a sexual assault victim being tragically denied a BSL interpreter by the police. Truly appalling and underscores the urgent need for systemic change.

SPEAKER_00 12:05

Gosh, that exam This example really drives home the consequences of poor access. Amanda Hack's emphasis on early years BSL provision feels so critical after hearing that.

SPEAKER_01 12:16

Absolutely crucial. As she rightly pointed out, communication barriers in those formative years can have profoundly negative and long-lasting consequences for deaf children's development.

SPEAKER_00 12:26

Pognitive, social, emotional growth all impacted.

SPEAKER_01 12:28

And her specific call for parent-focused BSL lessons rather than solely qualification-based courses.

SPEAKER_00 12:35

That connects back to Jane Craft's point eating milk and mummy, not complex grammar first.

SPEAKER_01 12:40

Exactly. Practical, relevant vocabulary for family communication.

BSL in the classroom

SPEAKER_00 12:43

Clive Jones, for the Liberal Democrats, highlighted his long history of advocating for BSL.

SPEAKER_01 12:49

And he raised concerns about cuts to interpretation services for health care access.

SPEAKER_00 12:52

Yes, significant concerns. His suggestion of a feasibility study into integrating basic BSL lessons into primary schools sounds really innovative.

SPEAKER_01 13:02

A forward-thinking approach to foster inclusivity early on.

SPEAKER_00 13:05

And his understanding concern about the potential scrapping of the BSL GCSE in England, given the Welsh precedent.

SPEAKER_01 13:13

That's definitely something requiring close monitoring and active advocacy.

SPEAKER_00 13:17

Mims Davies, for the Conservatives, acknowledged the progress made through the BSL Act and reaffirmed the government's commitment to annual reporting.

SPEAKER_01 13:24

Keeping the momentum going.

SPEAKER_00 13:26

The extension of BSL programming quotas to on-demand services via the Media Act 2024, even if the 5% quota is questioned, is another step.

SPEAKER_01 13:35

Increasing visibility and access.

SPEAKER_00 13:36

It was also interesting to hear the historical reference to BSL documentation from 1576.

SPEAKER_01 13:42

Wow, that far back, highlighting its rich heritage.

SPEAKER_00 13:45

But she also rightly emphasized the ongoing concern around the BSL GCSE delay in England and the need for a clear delivery plan.

SPEAKER_01 13:52

And mentioned updating the previous government's disability action plan.

SPEAKER_00 13:56

Yes, to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

SPEAKER_01 13:59

Finally, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, addressed many of these points.

Government response

SPEAKER_00 14:04

What was the government's response?

SPEAKER_01 14:06

It was noteworthy that the Deputy Prime Minister himself holds a BSL qualification and supports BSL Week, a positive sign from the top.

SPEAKER_00 14:14

That is good to hear.

SPEAKER_01 14:15

His apology for the delay in the BSL version of the Green Paper on Disability and his reaffirmation of commitment to the BSL Act were important.

SPEAKER_00 14:24

Assurances were needed.

SPEAKER_01 14:25

He reiterated the doubling of BSL activity across government, but acknowledged the need for faster progress.

SPEAKER_00 14:31

So, acknowledging the but.

SPEAKER_01 14:33

Yes. The announcement of upcoming BSL plans for each department and the ongoing work of the independent BSL Advisory Board are promising developments.

SPEAKER_00 14:42

Focusing on areas like health and social care.

SPEAKER_01 14:44

Precisely. The minister also expressed clear support for the BSL GCSE and highlighted ongoing work with Ofqual to finalize assessments.

SPEAKER_00 14:52

So the GCSE is still moving forward.

SPEAKER_01 14:54

Apparently so. He acknowledged funding challenges for courses in places like Cornwall, suggesting devolved adult skills funds might help locally.

SPEAKER_00 15:02

Local solutions for local issues.

SPEAKER_01 15:04

And confirmed Ofqual has finalized assessments with a technical consultation coming soon.

SPEAKER_00 15:09

What about future tech?

SPEAKER_01 15:11

He touched upon the potential of AI in breaking down barriers, while also rightly acknowledging the important ethical considerations.

SPEAKER_00 15:19

That's a big area to watch.

SPEAKER_01 15:20

And finally, announced an upcoming consultation on mandatory disability pay gap reporting, including a BSL version.

SPEAKER_00 15:27

Ensuring accessibility there, too.

SPEAKER_01 15:29

Gencraft's concluding remarks really brought it all together. Her thanks, her call for MPs to communicate better with constituents with hearing loss.

SPEAKER_00 15:37

Her intention to question utility companies.

SPEAKER_01 15:40

Her continued advocacy for early years, support and universal BSL for parents. It all underscores the ongoing work needed.

SPEAKER_00 15:48

And her hope for a debate in the main chamber next year with interpreters present.

SPEAKER_01 15:52

That would undoubtedly be a truly significant and symbolic step forward.

SPEAKER_00 15:57

So, the fundamental takeaway from this deep dive into the recent parliamentary debate is that while we've witnessed significant, important progress, especially with the BSL BSL

SPEAKER_01 16:07

remains an absolutely vital language, key to cultural identity, community, and full inclusion for a substantial part of the UK population.

SPEAKER_00 16:17

And the debate clearly highlighted that very substantial challenges persist in achieving genuine accessibility and true equality for BSL users across all crucial aspects of daily life.

SPEAKER_01 16:29

Which leaves us with a thought-provoking question for you, our listeners. Given the remarkable accelerating advancements in technology and this growing awareness around inclusive communication.

SPEAKER_00 16:39

What

SPEAKER_01 16:40

innovative, perhaps unexpected solutions going beyond traditional interpretation can you envision that could potentially further break down these persistent communication barriers for deaf individuals?

SPEAKER_00 16:51

Thinking about education, employment, healthcare, social interaction, all of it.

SPEAKER_01 16:56

It's definitely something worth pondering.

SPEAKER_00 16:58

As always, check out the transcript and episode notes for more information. Find us on social media at Bench Report UK. Remember to download the Bench Report wherever you get your podcasts. Take

SPEAKER_01 17:07

care.