Burnham Backs Black English and Asian English Census Options 2026

Andy Burnham has signaled his likely support for a bill that would add Black English and Asian English as ethnicity options in the census for England. The bill, tabled by Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde, aims to allow people to define themselves as both Black and English or Asian and English, challenging the notion that Englishness is exclusively white.

The proposed legislation has drawn cross-party backing, including from former Labour deputy prime minister David Lammy and Conservative former foreign secretary James Cleverly. It represents a direct response to Reform UK politicians like Suella Braverman, who have argued that people from minority ethnic backgrounds cannot hold an English ethnic identity.

Why the Black English and Asian English Census Options Matter

The census is more than a headcount; it shapes how resources are allocated and how communities are recognized. For decades, the only “English” option under ethnicity has been “White English,” effectively excluding millions of people who identify as English but are not white. This bill seeks to correct that by offering Black English and Asian English as official categories.

Supporters argue that the current format erases the lived experience of Black and Asian Britons who feel English. It also feeds into a narrow, racialized definition of Englishness that many find offensive and inaccurate. As Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, put it during prime minister’s questions, some MPs have “shamefully” argued for the racist idea that only white people can be English.

Political Reactions: From Burnham to Badenoch

During PMQs, Davey asked Burnham directly whether he would support Babarinde’s bill. Burnham responded by praising Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for rejecting the ethnic basis of Englishness, saying that “on some issues, we should rise above party politics.” His comments suggest a growing consensus that the census must evolve to reflect modern Britain.

Badenoch’s stance is notable given her party’s internal divisions over identity issues. Her willingness to push back against the idea that Englishness is tied to whiteness has been welcomed by some as a principled stand. Meanwhile, Reform UK figures like Braverman continue to insist that ethnic minorities cannot be English, a position that critics condemn as divisive and ahistorical.

What the Bill Proposes and How It Would Work

The bill, drawn up by Babarinde with cross-party input, would amend the census questionnaire for England to include Black English and Asian English as tick-box options under the ethnicity question. Currently, respondents can select “Black British” or “Asian British,” but not specifically English. The change would allow those who identify as English to do so without denying their racial or ethnic heritage.

It’s important to note that the census is devolved, so this bill would apply to England only. Similar debates are ongoing in Scotland and Wales, where identity questions differ. The bill’s backers hope it will set a precedent for a more inclusive understanding of national identity across the UK.

Key Takeaways from the Census Debate

• Cross-party support: The bill has backing from Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat MPs, indicating broad concern about ethnic identity in the census.
• Challenge to Reform UK: The proposal directly counters claims by figures like Suella Braverman that only white people can be English.
• Burnham’s signal: Andy Burnham’s comments suggest he is likely to vote in favor, adding significant weight to the campaign.
• Impact on data: New categories would provide richer data on how people identify, helping policymakers better understand diverse communities.
• Symbolic importance: Recognizing Black English and Asian English affirms that Englishness is a civic identity, not a racial one.

How the Census Categories Compare

The table below contrasts the current ethnicity options for English identity with the proposed additions. This highlights the gap that the bill seeks to fill.

What Happens Next for the Bill

The bill will need to go through parliamentary stages, including committee debate and votes in both Houses. Given the cross-party support, it has a reasonable chance of progressing, but it may face amendments or delays. The government’s stance will be crucial; so far, ministers have not publicly opposed the bill, but they have not endorsed it either.If passed, the new categories would be included in the next census, likely in 2031. In the meantime, the debate is likely to intensify, especially as identity politics continues to shape UK discourse. For now, Burnham’s signal is a significant boost for those campaigning for a more inclusive census.

FAQ

As the debate over English identity continues, it’s worth looking at how other countries handle similar questions. For instance, Australia’s 2026 census is also grappling with ethnicity and language categories, with MPs pushing for Black English and Asian English options there as well. You can read about that debate in Census 2026: MPs Push for Black English and Asian English Options.

Australia’s census is also adding LGBTQ+ identity options, a move that parallels the UK’s conversation about inclusive data collection. Details are available in Australia’s 2026 Census Adds LGBTQ+ Identity Options. Such changes reflect a global shift toward recognizing diverse identities in official statistics.

For those interested in the timeline and online options for Australia’s next census, Census 2026 Australia: Key Dates, Online Options, and Impact provides a comprehensive overview. Understanding these logistical details can inform how similar changes might be implemented in the UK.

Another useful resource is Census 2026 Australia: Date, Online Options, and Key Changes, which outlines the major shifts in Australia’s census. These changes often serve as a bellwether for other nations grappling with identity questions.

Finally, for a deeper dive into why these census changes matter, see Census 2026 Australia: Key Dates, Online Options, and Why It. The article explains how census data influences policy and representation, a concern shared by advocates for the Black English and Asian English options in the UK.

On the political side, the debate over identity has parallels in other areas, such as cabinet appointments. For instance, Andy Burnham Cabinet: Key Options and Dilemmas explores the challenges facing Burnham in a different context, showing how identity and representation play out in governance.

And for a more detailed analysis of those dilemmas, Andy Burnham Cabinet: Key Options and Dilemmas Explained breaks down the key considerations. These articles highlight the broader implications of Burnham’s stance on the census bill.