British Sign Language (BSL) signers “may well be disenfranchised” from July’s general election if policy announcements come without BSL interpretation, a disability lawyer has warned, as a Deaf campaigner writes to major political parties requesting sign language access.
Chris Fry, of Scarborough-based law firm Inspire Legal, issued the comments to Liam O’Dell on the same day Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the public would head to the polls on 4 July to elect its new government.
In a speech outside No 10 on Wednesday, which came without BSL interpretation online or in person, Sunak said: “Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future.
“To decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty.
“Over the next few weeks, I will fight for every vote. I will earn your trust and I will prove to you that only a Conservative government led by me will not put our hard-earned economic stability at risk, can restore pride and confidence in our country and with a clear plan and bold action, will deliver a secure future for you, your family and our United Kingdom.”
This was followed by an election rally later that evening, which also came without a BSL interpreter.
Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer gave a speech on the election date to say: “Together, we can stop the chaos.
“We can turn the page. We can start to rebuild Britain, and change our country.”
Sir Ed Davey of the Liberal Democrats also held an event reacting to news of the upcoming election, which was inaccessible to Deaf signers too.
He said: “Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for a local champion.”
Criticising both Sunak and Starmer’s inaccessible speeches, the Royal National Institute for Deaf people (RNID) wrote on Twitter/X: “Calling a #GeneralElection is one of the biggest moves our country can make – deaf people deserve to have that information at the same time as everyone else. This is not good enough!
“Disappointed to see that @Keir_Starmer also launched his campaign without a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.
“If he becomes Prime Minster on 5 July, he should make sure that his first speech to the nation is accessible to deaf people.”
Labour and the Conservatives’ failure to provide BSL interpretation comes just over a week after Deaf actor Katie Rowley wrote to both parties – as well as the Green Party, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK – to request manifesto information is issued “with BSL in-screen”, and an “on-platform” interpreter is provided at all press conferences.
Rowley previously made headlines in July 2021, when she successfully sued the UK Government over its failure to provide in-person BSL interpretation for its coronavirus briefings.
A judge ruled the Cabinet Office had breached the Equality Act after two data briefings – helmed by medical and scientific advisers to the government – came without any BSL access.
In letters shared exclusively with Liam O’Dell, Rowley writes to the four parties: “I am a single parent with a young child and I am concerned that the choices I make at this election will have an impact on us. I would like to make an informed choice about which way I vote.
“Without BSL interpreters I will not be able to understand your manifesto, and I am also concerned that I will not be able to follow the broadcasts.
“Could you please provide published information with BSL in-screen, and a commitment to provide a BSL interpreter on platform at your broadcasts and at public events in my constituency where your prospective Parliamentary Candidate is speaking.”
Rowley goes on to add that she believes the request counts as a “reasonable adjustment” – a phrase used in the Equality Act, legislation which also states organisations have a “duty to provide information in an accessible format where appropriate”.
Meanwhile Fry, the solicitor acting for Rowley in this case, told this website of his belief that political parties have obligations under the 2010 legislation “not to discriminate”.
“This should include the provision of information in an accessible format, such as broadcasts and information including manifestos in British Sign Language.
“Without access to this information in BSL, deaf people who use BSL as their first language may well be disenfranchised from the general election which may have a significant impact on all of us and our families.
“If necessary, on Katie’s behalf we will make an application for interim injunctive relief to compel parties to make that change, although I hope this won’t be necessary.”
Rowley added: “I fear if this cannot be achieved in 2024 when will it be? We deserve to be able to access the same info as our friends and neighbours in the UK.”
While leaders of the Conservative and Labour Party have today shared statements on the general election, Reform UK has announced it will hold a press conference outlining its general election plans at 11am on Thursday.
The Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Green Party and Reform UK have all been approached for comment.
Update – 23/05/24: In a statement, a Reform UK spokesman said Thursday’s press conference would come without BSL interpretation.
“Sadly we will not have interpretation at this morning’s press conference,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Fry confirmed the Liberal Democrats have also received a letter from Rowley.
Images: Channel 4 News/The Guardian/Manchester Evening News.
Liam O'Dell 