Census 2026: MPs Push for Black English and Asian English Options 2026

MPs are pushing for 'Black English' and 'Asian English' to be added as census options, arguing that the current ethnicity categories fail to reflect the diversity of modern English identity. The cross-party campaign, led by Liberal Democrat president Josh Babarinde, aims to broaden the range of ethnicity options in the census so that Britons can define themselves as both Black and English or Asian and English.

The move is a direct response to claims from Reform UK politicians that people from minority ethnic backgrounds cannot hold an English ethnic identity. Backers include former deputy prime minister David Lammy, former foreign secretary James Cleverly, Conservative MP Mark Pritchard, and Lib Dem health select committee chair Layla Moran.

Why MPs Want to Change the Census

The MPs argue that the current definition of Englishness on the census is outdated and excludes millions of people who consider themselves English. They point out that under the present classification, 60% of England's World Cup squad would not technically be classified as English on the census.

Babarinde, who is leading the drive, said: "I'm a proud Englishman and Englishness is about more than the colour of your skin. Most people in this country already agree that you don't have to be White to be English. Just look at the England football team. But our census hasn't properly caught up."

The campaign has been highly critical of comments from Reform UK MP Suella Braverman, a former Conservative home secretary, who said she did not consider herself ethnically English because of her south Asian heritage. Braverman's remarks have sparked a wider debate about what it means to be English in a multi-ethnic society.

What the Proposed Changes Would Mean

If adopted, the changes would allow respondents to select 'Black English' or 'Asian English' as their ethnic group, alongside existing options such as 'White English' and 'Black British'. This would give people the option to acknowledge both their ethnic background and their English identity.

The MPs backing the bill argue that the current census categories force people to choose between their ethnic heritage and their national identity, which can be divisive and inaccurate. They believe that expanding the options would provide a more accurate picture of the population and help combat discrimination.

The proposal is not without controversy. Some argue that adding new categories could fragment ethnic identity data and make it harder to track inequalities. Others worry that it could fuel divisions by emphasizing differences rather than commonalities.

The 2026 Census and Its Impact

The next census in England and Wales is due to take place in 2026, and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is currently consulting on the questions to be included. The MPs' campaign is timed to influence this process.

The census is a vital tool for planning public services, allocating funding, and monitoring equality. Changes to ethnicity questions can have far-reaching effects on how resources are distributed and how communities are represented.

For those interested in how the census is evolving, including new questions on LGBTQ+ identity, the 2026 Census adds LGBTQ+ identity options in Australia, offering a parallel to the UK debate.

Key Takeaways

• MPs are campaigning to add 'Black English' and 'Asian English' to census ethnicity options.
• The move challenges claims that minority ethnic people cannot be ethnically English.
• Current census categories mean many people, including 60% of England's World Cup squad, are not classified as English.
• The campaign is led by Lib Dem president Josh Babarinde with cross-party support.
• The 2026 Census is the target for these changes.

How the Census Categories Compare

What to Watch Next

The campaign is likely to intensify as the ONS finalizes the 2026 Census questions. The outcome will depend on political support and public consultation. If successful, the change could reshape how Englishness is understood and measured for decades to come.

For a detailed timeline of the 2026 Census, including key dates and online options, see Census 2026 Australia: Key Dates, Online Options, and Impact. This resource explains how the census is conducted and why it matters.

Understanding the full scope of the 2026 Census is essential for anyone interested in identity questions. Census 2026 Australia: Date, Online Options, and Key Changes provides an overview of the changes that could affect how we define ourselves. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Black English Census Option: Why ONS Refusal Sparks Debate.

The debate over ethnic identity on the census is not unique to the UK. Census 2026 Australia: Key Dates, Online Options, and Why It Matters explores similar issues in the Australian context, where questions of identity are also evolving. The background to this story is set out in Public Overestimates Minority Ethnic Killers in England and Wales. A related thread runs through Englishness Beyond Ethnicity: Redefining Identity in Modern UK.

As the 2026 Census approaches, the push to include 'Black English' and 'Asian English' highlights the growing recognition that national identity is complex and multifaceted. The outcome will shape how future generations understand and record their heritage. Earlier coverage in Australia's 2026 Census: LGBTQ+ Families Finally Counted shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Minority Ethnic NHS Staff and Patient Safety: The Hidden Cost.