Tom Gordon raises British Sign Language in Parliament as part of Sign Language Week

Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP highlights the importance of sign as a form of
language, heritage and identity with an Early Days Motion in Parliament,
championing allyship, inclusion and visibility for and with the Deaf Community.
 

Tom joined local Councillor Josie Caven, who is deaf, as she campaigns for
increased awareness of the need for sign language. She said:

 “I am incredibly proud to serve as a councillor, be a mother and a friend, but above all, I am proud to be a
Deaf person. Sharing the deep pride my community has in our culture and the rich
history of our sign language is a momentous occasion, especially during this Sign
Language Week.”

Sign Language Week highlights the important ongoing work of charities like the
British Deaf Association and National Deaf Children’s Society as they advocate for
sign language rights and provide direct support to children and families.

Tom Gordon MP said:
“I’m proud to join Josie and these wonderful charities as they raise awareness of the
importance of sign language in the lives of 151,000 individuals utilising it in the UK.
There are real barriers faced by the Deaf community and worrying implications of
denying Deaf children access to sign language resulting in language deprivation.
Sign as a form of language carries a rich heritage and identity for the Deaf
community. With every new BSL word I learn from Josie, I’m also learning about
things like left and right-handed signing, slang and accents. We’re currently looking
up the Yorkshire sign for ‘eyup!’.”