In a move that has reignited a long‑standing debate about national identity and race in the United Kingdom, a new parliamentary proposal seeks to allow people of all ethnic backgrounds to identify as English on the national census. The initiative, introduced by Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde, follows five years of advocacy by former shadow justice secretary David Lammy, who has repeatedly called for recognition of “Black English” as a legitimate civic identity.
Lammy first raised the issue in 2021 during a live LBC programme, where he asserted his Englishness while a caller named Jean challenged the notion, insisting that his African‑Caribbean heritage disqualified him from being English. The exchange drew widespread condemnation for its nativist tone and highlighted the persistent tension between racial and national identities in England.
Despite calls from Lammy and other MPs—including Conservative James Cleverly—and support from the prime minister, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has so far refused to add a “Black English” option to the census. The ONS cited a lack of evidence to support such a change, even though it had previously recommended similar categories for Black Welsh and Asian Welsh, and Scotland already offers options that reflect the identities of ethnic minorities.
Recent research provides a broader context for the debate. A 2025 YouGov study found that only 13% of adults in England believe that being white is a prerequisite for Englishness, while 43% of UK‑born ethnic‑minority adults described themselves as “British, not English” or “more British than English.” These findings suggest that many people already see Englishness as compatible with a diverse racial background.
However, the issue remains contentious within Black communities. For some, being labeled “English” by a fellow Black person can carry connotations of cultural drift or loss of heritage. The debate underscores the complex ways in which identity is negotiated both publicly and privately.
If the bill passes, it would align England with Wales and Scotland, where census categories recognize the identities of ethnic minorities. The proposal has already garnered cross‑party support, indicating a growing recognition that national identity should not be confined to racial lines.
Source: The Guardian World
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