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A group of Members of Parliament is advocating for the next census to expand ethnicity categories, enabling individuals to identify as black English or Asian English. Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde expressed to the BBC that many people across the country recognize that being English is not limited to white individuals, and he emphasized the need to update the ethnic group options, following examples set by Wales and Scotland.
In the 2021 census, the option to select “English” was included only under the white ethnicity category. Babarinde’s initiative, known as the “St George’s Bill,” seeks to increase the choices available, allowing for more inclusive self-identification. The bill enjoys backing from notable MPs such as Labour’s David Lammy and Conservative Sir James Cleverly, and it was formally presented in the House of Commons recently.
During the introduction of his private member’s bill (PMB), Babarinde described himself as a “proud Englishman” with “proud Nigerian heritage.” He highlighted the inconsistencies faced by those who believe Englishness must be tied to a particular skin colour or lineage, noting that his own maternal family has deep English roots. He revealed that his stance has attracted hostile responses, including death threats, simply for asserting that English identity transcends race. He further stressed that English ethnicity has always been diverse, pointing out that even the Royal Family has German ancestry, and questioned, “Is the King not English either, I ask.”
Babarinde criticized the current census form for only placing English under the white ethnicity category, while black and Asian respondents must select from black British or Asian British options. He noted that the censuses in Wales and Scotland offer more specific ethnic categories, such as black Welsh or Scottish Asian, whereas England’s census merely provides a generic write-in box that is effectively marginalized. Echoing this, David Lammy voiced his frustration that he and his mixed-heritage children cannot officially identify as black or mixed-race English on the census, calling for an end to what he described as “backward racial gatekeeping.”
Babarinde explained that his decision to bring forward the PMB stemmed from concerns about certain political factions attempting to “gatekeep Englishness” based on race. He cited figures such as Suella Braverman, who has publicly questioned the Englishness of people like him. Braverman, who was previously a Conservative MP before joining Reform UK, wrote in 2025 that she considers herself British Asian but cannot claim to be English despite her English birth and education. Recently, she reaffirmed her view on social media, emphasizing that Englishness is an ethnicity and must be acknowledged distinctly, stressing that her stance is not racist.
The PMB was introduced using the 10-minute rule, which allows MPs a brief period to present their proposals. No opposing speeches were made during this time. Babarinde requested that the bill, formally titled the English Ethnic Identity (Census Particulars) Bill, return for a second reading on St George’s Day in 2027. However, it faces an uncertain future due to limited parliamentary time. Such private member’s bills often serve to raise awareness and build support around issues that are not immediately prioritized by ministers
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