MP for the Cities of London & Westminster, Nickie Aiken, spoke out in the House of Commons to champion the beautiful and rich language that is British Sign Language during the BSL Private Members' Bill debate, brought by Rosie Cooper MP.
Over recent months, Nickie has met with the National Deaf Children's Society and heard from people across the Two Cities who outlined the challenges that many deaf children have dealt with during the pandemic. One local person told her that if there ever was a time when access to information was important, then it is now.
Nickie has also learnt from Caxton Youth Organisation, a Westminster based youth group exclusively for young people with autism and learning difficulties, that recognising visual communication will make even more people feel included.
Nickie welcomes this Bill which gives legal status to BSL for the first time, paves the way for more signers, and creates a more inclusive society. She is pleased the Government are also backing it.
At the beginning of this year, Nickie shared her New Year's resolution to learn BSL, having been inspired by Rose Ayling-Ellis and the stories of deaf people from across the Two Cities. Nickie is pleased to be putting her commitment into action, and my first lesson will begin next week.
Nickie says,
"I am in no doubt that the Government take the principles of this Bill seriously and I am delighted to stand with them. With charities working with Deaf people. And with BSL users in the Cities of London and Westminster to bring about change.
"I back this Bill and, as the Chamber will have heard in a recent Business of the House, I am putting that commitment into action…
"It is my New Year’s Resolution to learn British Sign Language - and I am pleased to say that my first lesson will start next week!"
