For decades, the UK census has been a cornerstone of understanding the nation’s demographic makeup. But for a growing number of people, the current system feels… incomplete. The way ethnicity is categorized on the census – specifically, the placement of ‘English’ solely within the ‘White’ category – has become a focal point of contention. While roughly 11% of the UK-born population in England and Wales identify as belonging to a minority ethnic background, the census, as it stands, doesn’t readily allow someone to identify as both English and, for example, Black or Asian. You can identify as ‘Asian or Asian British’, but not simply ‘English’. This omission, critics argue, subtly reinforces a narrow definition of Englishness.
This isn’t a new debate, but it recently resurfaced with a proposed change to the way the census operates. On November 11, 2026, Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde tabled a ‘10-minute rule bill’ – a mechanism for proposing new legislation in Parliament – that would add ‘Black English’ and ‘Asian English’ as distinct options on the England census. A ‘10-minute rule bill’ is a type of legislation designed to draw attention to an issue and doesn’t guarantee passage, but it can be a powerful tool for sparking debate.
The timing of the bill wasn’t accidental. It followed criticism leveled by politicians from Reform UK, including Suella Braverman, regarding the definition of Englishness. Their arguments, which Babarinde’s bill directly challenges, have been described as divisive. The proposed change isn’t simply about adding categories; it’s about challenging the underlying assumption that English identity is inherently tied to whiteness. Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, didn’t mince words, stating that “some MPs had ‘shamefully’ argued for what he called the racist idea that only white people can be English.” He pointed to the existing structure of the census, where “the only English option, when you are asked about your ethnicity, is White English.”
This seemingly small change could have a significant impact on how the country understands its own diversity.
Andy Burnham signals support for making 'Black English' and 'Asian English' census options https://t.co/nH2sqxHdgu
The bill quickly gained cross-party attention, and perhaps surprisingly, one of its most vocal potential supporters emerged from the Labour benches: Andy Burnham. During Prime Minister’s Questions on the same day the bill was introduced, Burnham indicated he would likely support the legislation. He admitted he hadn’t yet examined the bill’s details, but his response was unequivocal. “I haven’t looked at the detail of the bill, but I stand here thinking that I would want to support that bill to directly take on the poisonous politics that we’ve seen from some in this house who are seeking to divide us,” Burnham stated.
This wasn’t just a political calculation. Burnham framed his potential support as a matter of principle, arguing that on certain issues, politicians should “rise above party politics” and “recognise when things are completely unacceptable, and join common cause against them.” He specifically praised Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative MP, for rejecting an ethnic basis for Englishness – a move that suggests a shared understanding, despite their differing political affiliations.
The debate over the census isn’t merely a statistical exercise. It’s about how the state recognizes and defines identity. For many, the current system feels exclusionary, forcing individuals to choose between their ethnicity and their sense of belonging to England. The proposed bill aims to rectify this, allowing people to define themselves as both Black and English, or Asian and English, for ethnicity options in the census. This seemingly small change could have a significant impact on how the country understands its own diversity.
Andy Burnham signals support for a bill to make Black English and Asian English census options The Prime Minister welcomes a cross-party push to reject ethnic basis for Englishness promoted by Reform UK politicians https://t.co/oBz87rOM9f
The bill’s appeal isn’t limited to the Liberal Democrats or Labour. It has attracted support from figures across the political spectrum, including Conservative MP James Cleverly. This broad coalition suggests a growing recognition that the current system is inadequate and that a more inclusive approach is needed. The backing from figures on both the left and right of the political spectrum underscores the potential for a consensus on this issue.
While Burnham specifically lauded Kemi Badenoch for her stance on Englishness, her direct involvement with the bill remains unclear. However, her previous comments rejecting an ethnic basis for Englishness align with the spirit of the proposed legislation. This shared ground could prove crucial in building further support for the bill within the Conservative party.
The ‘Black English’ and ‘Asian English’ census options bill is still in its early stages. It faces potential hurdles in Parliament, and its ultimate fate remains uncertain. However, the debate it has sparked is already significant. The bill has brought into sharp focus the question of who gets to define Englishness and how the state recognizes the identities of its diverse population. As of now, the conversation continues, and the possibility of a more inclusive census – one that truly reflects the makeup of modern England – is very much alive.