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Andy Burnham hints he will back Bill to add ‘black English’ and ‘Asian English’ categories to Census
Andy Burnham has indicated he would want to support a Bill adding “Black English” and “Asian English” categories to the Census, though he said he had not yet examined its details. The proposal follows a dispute over who can identify as English and aims to recognise people with Black and Asian heritage as English in official census categories.
Lib Dem MP Josh Babarinde introduced the 10-Minute Rule Bill, arguing that the current England census places “English” under the White category, while offering “Black British” and “Asian British” options. He cited separate Black Welsh and Scottish Asian categories, and said the Bill has cross-party support, including from David Lammy, but is unlikely to progress without Government backing. It is due back in the Commons on 23 April 2027.
In short
- Burnham says he wants to support the census Bill.
- The proposal adds Black English and Asian English categories.
- The Bill returns to the Commons on 23 April 2027.
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The case for
Adding “Black English” and “Asian English” categories could let people describe both their English identity and their heritage more accurately, rather than having to choose between “English” and broad “Black British” or “Asian British” labels. Supporters may also see the change as recognising that English identity is not limited to white people and making census data more useful for understanding communities.
The case against
The census needs categories that are clear, consistent and useful over time, and adding more national and ethnic labels could make the form harder to interpret or compare with earlier data. Critics could argue that existing write-in options or broader British categories may already capture people’s identities, and that separate English labels risk drawing distinctions that are not necessary for measuring ethnicity or national identity.
Explained simply
The Census is a survey used to record information about people living in England, including how they describe their ethnicity and national identity. Its categories help public bodies understand the population, but they can also affect whether people feel represented in official records.
Josh Babarinde, a Liberal Democrat MP, has proposed adding “Black English” and “Asian English” options. The current form includes “English” under the White category and offers “Black British” and “Asian British”; separate options for Black Welsh and Scottish Asian identities are also available.
Andy Burnham is the Mayor of Greater Manchester, and his comments signal possible support for the proposal, although he has not reviewed its details. The Bill has support from MPs across parties, but would need Government backing to make progress through Parliament.