MP challenges Boris Johnson over lack of sign interpreters at Covid press conferences

An MP has challenged Boris Johnson at PMQ's by asking him in British Sign Language (BSL) to explain why there is a lack of sign interpreting at the government’s coronavirus press conferences.

According to the RNID, there are approximately 12 million adults in the UK with hearing loss and 151,000 people in the UK who use British Sign Language.

Labour MP for south London's Lewisham and Deptford boroughs and Shadow Minister for Disabled People Vicky Foxcroft wanted to know why there is not a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter attending the government Covid briefings.

Ms Foxcroft signed her question silently before speaking over a video link to the House of Commons: “Why no interpreter in-room briefings, why is this not sorted?” in BSL.

Ms Foxcroft said: "And if the Prime Minister doesn't understand, imagine how those who rely on British sign language feel at his press briefings.

"The Prime Minister has been asked several times why his press conferences continue to exclude disabled people who rely on British Sign Language.

"His continued failure to answer is completely unacceptable.

"The Conservatives have failed at making essential communication inclusive, despite spending £2.6 million of public money on a new press room."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson replied: “I’m grateful to the honourable lady and grateful for the way she has set out her question. I will revert to her as soon as I can.”

People soon took to Twitter with one person saying: “As we continue our teaching around disability and inclusion to young people on our Prince’s Trust Programme, I was thrilled to see @vickyfoxcroft hold the government to account on this issue. How can we teach our young people about inclusion if government don’t lead by example?”

Another said: “An interpreter or subtitles is the least effort you can make to make something more accessible. Disabled people often get pushed to the back as "non-priority" when what looks a minor issue to some, affects the basic necessities, such as ability to communicate, for others.”

Despite the government spending £2.6m of taxpayers’ money on a new press room, briefings occur without an interpreter, as they have done throughout the pandemic.

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters attend briefings in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but have yet to appear with experts and politicians in England.

The BBC provides a superimposed translator on the BBC News channel during briefings, who also appears on Downing Street’s live Twitter feed.

Subtitles can also be used on television, but these regularly include mistakes.