Census should include black English and Asian English options, says MP

A group of MPs is calling for England’s census to let people identify as both English and as members of other ethnic groups, including black English and Asian English. Liberal Democrat Josh Babarinde introduced a bill to broaden the categories, arguing that English identity should not be limited by skin colour or ancestry.

The 2021 census offered “English” only within the white category, while Wales and Scotland provide some comparable options for people from minority ethnic backgrounds. Supporters include Labour’s David Lammy and Conservative Sir James Cleverly; Lammy said he and his mixed heritage children could not describe themselves as English on the form. Babarinde’s bill is due back for a second reading on 23 April 2027, but is unlikely to progress because parliamentary time is limited.