MPs Propose Census Changes to Include Options Like Black English or Asian English

According to a report from BBC UK, a collection of MPs is advocating for the next census to incorporate additional ethnicity choices, enabling people to identify as Black English or Asian English. Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde stated that many people in the country feel that one does not need to be white to be English, and he called for the categories to be updated similarly to the changes implemented in Wales and Scotland.

Babarinde noted that in the 2021 census, the ethnic group section only presented English within the white category. His proposal, which has been named the "St George's Bill," intends to expand these options, and it has garnered support from Labour's David Lammy and Conservative MP Sir James Cleverly. Babarinde introduced his private member's bill (PMB) in the House of Commons using the 10-minute rule process.

Babarinde, who is from Eastbourne, mentioned that he has received "death threats for daring to say that you don't have to be white to be English." He asserted that "English ethnicity is real," arguing that it is a "matter of historical fact that it has never been one bloodline," and pointed out that the Royal Family also has German ancestry.

Addressing the census ethnicity section, Babarinde pointed out that the "only box that says English sits under the white category." He further explained that while the form offers Black British or Asian British options for those who identify as Black or Asian, it does not offer an English option. He contrasted this with the Welsh census, which offers a Black Welsh category, and the Scottish census, which offers categories such as Scottish Asian.

David Lammy, a former deputy prime minister, stated in a statement that it is "quite absurd that neither I or my mixed heritage children can describe themselves as black or mixed race and English on our census form," adding that he has long advocated for the changes seen in Wales and Scotland to end what he termed "backward racial gatekeeping."

Babarinde stated that he brought forward the PMB because some elements within politics are attempting to restrict Englishness to individuals of a specific color. He also mentioned individuals such as Suella Braverman, who he claimed has undermined and questioned the Englishness of people like himself.

In 2025, Braverman, who was a Conservative MP before moving to Reform UK, wrote in the Daily Telegraph that she was British Asian but stated she "cannot claim to be English" despite having been born and educated in England. In recent weeks, Braverman reiterated this stance on X, stating that claiming to be English implies a "laissez-faire, anything-goes' attitude to ethnicity, citizenship and identity," and that it also denies her Asian heritage. She also asserted that "Englishness is an ethnicity," adding that English people have existed for centuries and that this should be recognized more if a more robust approach to citizenship and nationality is to be adopted, and that it is not racist to say this.

Babarinde requested that his PMB, formally titled the English Ethnic Identity (census particulars) Bill, be scheduled for its second reading debate in the House of Commons on April 23, 2027, which is St George's Day. However, it is considered unlikely that the bill will receive further consideration in its present form due to a lack of parliamentary time. PMBs are a mechanism that allows MPs to bring up issues they believe ministers should address and to build campaigns demonstrating support for their ideas.