Cross-party politicians have introduced a proposal titled the English Ethnic Identity (census particulars) Bill to permit people of color to officially identify as English. During the 2021 census, English was exclusively presented beneath the white category, leaving non-white respondents to select "black British" or rely on a miscellaneous write-in field. Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde sponsored the measure using the 10-minute rule process, though limited parliamentary time makes it unlikely to advance further in its current form.
Key points
The bill seeks to expand English census categories to mirror broader identity choices alr…: The bill seeks to expand English census categories to mirror broader identity choices already accessible in Scotland and Wales.
Critics argue that restricting the English identity option solely to the white classifica…: Critics argue that restricting the English identity option solely to the white classification amounts to backward cultural gatekeeping.
The proposed legislation requested a second reading for April 2027 but faces severe parli…: The proposed legislation requested a second reading for April 2027 but faces severe parliamentary scheduling constraints.
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- Published
The next census should include more ethnicity options to allow people to define themselves as black English or Asian English, according to a group of MPs.
Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde told the BBC that "most people" in the country believe "you don't have to be white to be English", as he called for the categories to be updated in a similar way to changes in Wales and Scotland.
At the 2021 census, the ethnic group section saw English offered only within the white category.
Babarinde's proposal, dubbed the "St George's Bill", aims to broaden the options and its supporters include Labour's David Lammy and Conservative Sir James Cleverly. It was tabled in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
In his speech to introduce his private member's bill (PMB), Babarinde told MPs he is a "proud Englishman" and has "proud Nigerian heritage".
He said: "But my parents and I were born in England, we grew up in England, our home is in England, yet some voices attempt to reduce Englishness to a skin colour and to a bloodline.
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