We call on the UK Government to give Cornish, Irish, Scots, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh and BSL the same official language protections that exist in the constituent nations of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

These languages have devolved protections, but not UK-wide; we want these languages to have the same protections nationally. We are concerned that Amendment NC107 to the Representation of the People Bill could criminalise election leaflets in Cornish, Irish, Gaelic, Scots and BSL, affecting bilingual constituencies like Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Irish-speaking areas of NI, and BSL users nationwide. It could even outlaw party names written in these languages. Devolved governments have granted these languages protections, but we feel problems remain for general elections.