This week I was pleased to join the British Sign Language (BSL) Bill Committee. I originally brought BSL to the House as a language in its own right almost 20 years ago and it’s a cause I’ve supported ever since.

Recognising BSL as a language will make a huge difference for the deaf community. It is the primary form of communication for 90,000 people across the country, including here in Garston and Halewood, and making provisions for those who use it will mean better educational, employment, healthcare and everyday opportunities for BSL users. Credit must go to Rosie Cooper MP, who herself comes from a deaf family,  for the work she has done pushing this Bill through.