Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wished “everyone in the United Kingdom” a “very happy Christmas” on Wednesday, despite his Christmas message coming without British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation.
According to the British Deaf Association, which cites official statistics, there are 151,000 BSL signers in the UK, of which 87,000 are deaf.
While the PM’s video – shared to his social media channels on Wednesday morning – comes with closed captions, English is a second language for many signers.
BSL is different to English, with its own syntax and grammar.
In the message, Starmer says: “I’d like to wish the whole country a very happy Christmas.
“It’s a truly special time of year, and it’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important: family, friends, community.
“From my family to yours, to everyone in the United Kingdom, I hope you all have a very happy Christmas.”
The Labour leader’s video is the latest in a string of statements and press conferences from the UK Government to come without BSL interpretation, with remarks on the recognition of Palestine; “threats to the UK” in November and the Manchester terror attack in October among those made inaccessible to deaf signers.
No 10 has repeatedly insisted it is “committed to ensuring our communications are as accessible as possible” and has pointed to the government’s five-year plans to improve the ‘promotion and facilitation’ of BSL which it published in July.
One longer-term goal listed in the Cabinet Office’s plan concerns a pledge to “continue to increase the proportion of external communications” from the department which are available in BSL, to “include major CO minister press conferences and speeches”.
When approached by Liam O’Dell for comment on Wednesday, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed “there is not a BSL version of the message” from the Prime Minister.
“We have issued the transcript of the words to outlets and print media in line with previous years,” they said.
Images: Keir Starmer/YouTube.