“It’s not enough for BSL to just be ‘recognised’ as a language of its own right – it deserves to have legal status.”
Daisy Cooper MP joined students from Heathlands School for deaf children at a rally for the British Sign Language (BSL) Bill in Trafalgar Square.
At the rally, four children from Heathlands got on stage to talk about their hopes for the future and the importance of BSL.
Also speaking at the rally was Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first deaf person to compete – and win – on Strictly Come Dancing, as well as deaf and disabled rights campaigner David Buxton.
BSL was recognised as an “official” language by the UK government in 2003, but it does not have legal protection. Once the bill is passed into law, public services would be legally required to follow guidance on how to put BSL in place.
On Friday, the day of the rally, the BSL Bill passed its third reading unopposed.
Daisy said: “There’s a really strong and active deaf community here in St Albans, of which Heathlands School is an integral part.
“I’m really impressed with how the school has involved and engaged all its pupils in the Bill’s progress – from making posters and placards for the rallies, to watching Parliamentary livestreams of debates on the Bill.
“It’s not enough for BSL to just be ‘recognised’ as a language of its own right – it deserves to have legal status. It’ll be a momentous day for deaf people in the UK once this bill is passed into law.”