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Closed Make British Sign Language a language option in the national curriculum

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I would like the national curriculum to make British Sign Language an option for students to study at school. The standard Spanish, French or German are quite limited in a society that should be inclusive of all languages whether that be spoken or signed.

There are almost 9 million hearing impaired people in the UK alone, and it is reported there are approximately 140k people that use BSL as a first language. I believe giving students the option to learn BSL can improve our society by allowing us the option to communicate with people regardless of their impediments. This eventually could benefit in many ways for those who have no choice but to use BSL. If more people could sign, it could open more job options etc.

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  • Related activity

    British Sign Language report debated by MPs

    On Tuesday 17 October, Chloe Smith MP led a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament on the British Sign Language report 2022 and implementation of the British Sign Language Act 2022.

    Watch the debate, read the transcript of what was said, and access other relevant material:

    British Sign Language

    What are Westminster Hall debates?

    Westminster Hall is the second Chamber of the House of Commons.

    Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Any MP can take part in a Westminster Hall debate.

    Debates in Westminster Hall take place on ‘general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'. This means that Westminster debates don’t end in a vote on a particular action or decision.

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    This petition will stay open until 9 October 2021.