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| MP Dawn Butler praised for using sign language in Commons | MP Dawn Butler praised for using sign language in Commons |
| (1 day later) | |
| Labour MP Dawn Butler has been praised for using sign language to ask a question in the House of Commons about giving it legal status. | Labour MP Dawn Butler has been praised for using sign language to ask a question in the House of Commons about giving it legal status. |
| She spoke as well as signed when she addressed the Chamber saying it was time British Sign Language (BSL) was given further protection. | She spoke as well as signed when she addressed the Chamber saying it was time British Sign Language (BSL) was given further protection. |
| The MP, who has completed a signing course, was cheered by fellow MPs. | The MP, who has completed a signing course, was cheered by fellow MPs. |
| A Commons spokesman said it was believed to be the first time sign language was used to ask a question. | A Commons spokesman said it was believed to be the first time sign language was used to ask a question. |
| Ms Butler, MP for Brent Central, signed during the business statement in the Commons, and also said: "I would like to sign my question. | Ms Butler, MP for Brent Central, signed during the business statement in the Commons, and also said: "I would like to sign my question. |
| "Will the minister agree the 18 March marks the 14th anniversary since the UK government recognised British Sign Language? | "Will the minister agree the 18 March marks the 14th anniversary since the UK government recognised British Sign Language? |
| "Will the minister agree it's time to bring and give British Sign Language legal status like other recognised languages?" | "Will the minister agree it's time to bring and give British Sign Language legal status like other recognised languages?" |
| It is not the first time an MP has used sign language in the Commons. Labour's Tom Levitt signed, as has liberal democrat Sir Malcolm Bruce. | It is not the first time an MP has used sign language in the Commons. Labour's Tom Levitt signed, as has liberal democrat Sir Malcolm Bruce. |
| 'Lots of respect' | 'Lots of respect' |
| Ms Butler, who is an ambassador for Brent and Harrow United Deaf Club, was praised by fellow MPs and others on social media. | Ms Butler, who is an ambassador for Brent and Harrow United Deaf Club, was praised by fellow MPs and others on social media. |
| Twitter user @Jonathan93 said: "From a native user (deaf parents), thank you for using BSL in the HoC and in doing so raising awareness in the UK." | Twitter user @Jonathan93 said: "From a native user (deaf parents), thank you for using BSL in the HoC and in doing so raising awareness in the UK." |
| Luke Hewerdine wrote: "Fantastic job signing your question! Glad to see #BSL taken seriously!" | |
| Mark Anthony said he hoped Ms Butler was a "sign of the times", adding "lots of respect for your inclusiveness". | Mark Anthony said he hoped Ms Butler was a "sign of the times", adding "lots of respect for your inclusiveness". |
| Worsley and Eccles South Labour MP Barbara Keeley said Ms Butler's use of sign language was "excellent" while Labour MP for Tottenham David Lammy called it "wonderful". | Worsley and Eccles South Labour MP Barbara Keeley said Ms Butler's use of sign language was "excellent" while Labour MP for Tottenham David Lammy called it "wonderful". |
| BSL was recognised as a minority language by the government in 2003 but it currently does not have any legal protection. | BSL was recognised as a minority language by the government in 2003 but it currently does not have any legal protection. |
| If it was awarded legal status, it would be placed on a par with languages like Welsh - allowing it to be promoted and protected. | If it was awarded legal status, it would be placed on a par with languages like Welsh - allowing it to be promoted and protected. |
| Replying to Ms Butler's question, Commons Leader David Lidington said: "You have very eloquently reminded us of the importance of British Sign Language to a number of our fellow citizens who live with deafness or severe hearing impairment." | Replying to Ms Butler's question, Commons Leader David Lidington said: "You have very eloquently reminded us of the importance of British Sign Language to a number of our fellow citizens who live with deafness or severe hearing impairment." |
| He said the Department for Work and Pensions had received "hundreds" of submissions as part of a review into the provision of signing services which will publish its conclusions "in due course". | He said the Department for Work and Pensions had received "hundreds" of submissions as part of a review into the provision of signing services which will publish its conclusions "in due course". |
| Mr Lidington went on to say that the Department for Education was planning to accept BSL as an alternative qualification to English functional skills for people on apprenticeships. | Mr Lidington went on to say that the Department for Education was planning to accept BSL as an alternative qualification to English functional skills for people on apprenticeships. |
| The British Deaf Association said it was "delighted" Ms Butler had requested for Parliament to give the language legal status. | The British Deaf Association said it was "delighted" Ms Butler had requested for Parliament to give the language legal status. |
| "We very much hope that the House will take note and consider Ms Butler's early day motion as a priority to ensure that deaf people are part of the UK's determination to be a leader in business and trade," it said. | "We very much hope that the House will take note and consider Ms Butler's early day motion as a priority to ensure that deaf people are part of the UK's determination to be a leader in business and trade," it said. |
| A House of Commons spokesman said "as far as records indicate" it is the first time sign language has been used to ask a question in the Chamber. | A House of Commons spokesman said "as far as records indicate" it is the first time sign language has been used to ask a question in the Chamber. |