5. Motion under Standing Order 26.91 seeking the Senedd's agreement to introduce a Member Bill — British Sign Language (BSL) (Wales) Bill

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:03 pm on 19 June 2024.

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Photo of Mark Isherwood Mark Isherwood Conservative 4:03, 19 June 2024

Okay. Well, I thank Plaid Cymru for confirming their support. She asked a number of questions and I agree, I think, on all the points you raised, and most of them, I think, would be included in any consultation that would follow if we get the agreement to go ahead. Sam quite rightly said that the Bill has the potential to revolutionise the lives of deaf people across Wales. Peredur, thank you for raising the issue raised by Welsh Women's Aid—this is another barrier faced by women victims of domestic violence and abuse, if they also lack BSL provision when that is their primary language. Natasha Asghar said that we need to help build a sense of community and belonging and a gateway to learning for everyone—in this context, BSL signers and the communities they live and exist within.

So, I urge everyone to put down their partisan flags on this issue—this isn't part of any UK election. I've been calling for this, as have other people across Wales affected by this, for so very long. Let's let it happen. Let's agree to take this forward, and let's start allowing BSL signers across Wales to have a real voice in designing the legislation that will begin to help them better meet the needs that they have, and the rights that they should have in a modern twenty-first century Wales. Diolch yn fawr.