MPs propose expanding census to include Black and Asian English ethnicity options

A coalition of MPs is urging that the upcoming census incorporate additional ethnicity options enabling individuals to identify as Black English or Asian English.

Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde told the BBC that “most people” in the UK believe “you do not have to be white to be English”, calling for the census categories to be updated in the same manner as reforms already introduced in Wales and Scotland.

During the 2021 census, the ethnicity question listed “English” solely under the white category.

Babarinde’s proposal, referred to as the “St George’s Bill”, seeks to widen the available options and has garnered support from Labour’s David Lammy and Conservative Sir James Cleverly. The private member’s bill was introduced in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

During his introductory speech for the private member’s bill, Babarinde described himself as a “proud Englishman” with a “proud Nigerian heritage”.

He continued, “My parents and I were born in England, grew up in England, and our home is in England, yet some voices seek to define Englishness solely by skin colour and bloodline.”

“If we must follow that path, my mother’s family has been English for as far back as we can trace,” he added.

The Eastbourne MP reported receiving death threats for “daring to say that you do not have to be white to be English”.

He asserted that “English ethnicity is real,” arguing that “historically it has never been a single bloodline; even the Royal Family has German roots. Is the King not English either, I ask?”

“Addressing the census ethnicity section, Babarinde noted that the only box marked “English” is situated under the white category.”

“If you are Black, the form provides “Black British”; if you are Asian, it offers “Asian British,” but not “English.”

In contrast, the Welsh census includes a “Black Welsh” category, while the Scottish census provides options such as “Scottish Asian.”

Yet England’s census merely provides a miscellaneous write‑in box that feels marginal.

Lammy, a former deputy prime minister, said in a statement, “It is quite absurd that neither I nor my mixed‑heritage children can describe themselves as Black or mixed race and English on the census form. I have long campaigned for us to adopt the same approach as Wales and Scotland. We must end this backward racial gatekeeping.”

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