A group of MPs, led by Liberal Democrat Josh Babarinde, is advocating for the inclusion of 'black English' and 'Asian English' categories in the next census. This proposal, known as the 'St George's Bill,' aims to reflect the diverse identities within England, moving beyond the current classification that only lists English under the white category.
Support for the bill includes notable figures such as Labour's David Lammy and Conservative Sir James Cleverly. Babarinde emphasized the need for a more inclusive representation of English identity, arguing that Englishness encompasses a variety of backgrounds and should not be limited to a single racial identity.
Watch for the potential ripple effects of the St George's Bill on future census data collection and identity politics in England. The debate may influence how other regions approach ethnic categorization, shaping discussions on national identity and representation.