MPs Push to Expand Census Options to Include Black English and Asian English Identities

A coalition of senior British politicians is campaigning to reform the national census, arguing that the current framework for recording ethnic identity is outdated. The initiative, led by Liberal Democrat president Josh Babarinde, seeks to allow people to describe themselves as English alongside other ethnic backgrounds, such as Black English or Asian English. This push comes as a direct response to recent political debates regarding whether individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds can rightfully claim an English identity.

The debate over Black English and identity

Currently, the census in England restricts the "English" option to the "White" category. While individuals from other backgrounds can identify as "British," they are denied the specific option to select "English." Proponents of the change argue that this creates a disconnect between modern national identity and official data collection. Supporters point out that the current system would technically exclude roughly 60% of England’s World Cup football squad from being classified as English.

The proposed census reform would allow all citizens to identify as English regardless of their ethnic background.

Babarinde, who is introducing a 10-minute rule bill on the matter, emphasized that Englishness should not be defined by skin color. The campaign has gained traction across the political spectrum, with backing from figures such as David Lammy, James Cleverly, Mark Pritchard, and Layla Moran. The move is also a reaction to comments made by Reform UK MP Suella Braverman, who stated she does not consider herself ethnically English due to her south Asian heritage, arguing that Englishness is a specific ethnicity. Her remarks have faced pushback, including from within her own party, where chair Zia Yusuf rejected the notion that one’s heritage precludes them from being English.

Unlike England, censuses in Scotland and Wales already provide more inclusive options, such as "Scottish Asian" and "Black Welsh." The proposed bill aims to bring England in line with these practices by ensuring that every ethnic category includes the option to identify as English. While 10-minute rule bills rarely become law, they serve as a parliamentary mechanism to highlight policy gaps and force public debate on national identity.

Why it matters

This initiative highlights a growing tension over how national identity is defined in a multicultural society. If successful, the change would affect millions of UK-born citizens from minority backgrounds, including those of South Asian heritage, by formally recognizing their English identity in official statistics. It seeks to bridge the divide between those who view Englishness as a narrow ethnic category and those who see it as an inclusive, shared nationality.