British Sign Language Bill

Debate between Richard Holden and James Davies

Friday 28th January 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mr Richard Holden (North West Durham) (Con)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that one of the great successes of the last few years has been helping to encourage people with disabilities into employment? In putting the board through the DWP, there should be an extra driver to help people who are deaf into employment in future.

[Dr Davies]

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend and I was about to acknowledge that in my final comments.

The proposals are reasonable and represent a further step to full recognition and integration of BSL in our diverse society. They could lead to an increase in the number of interpreters and a reduction in the jobs gap with non-disabled people. The Bill has the support of the British Deaf Association, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, the Government and hon. Members on both sides of the House. I am delighted to add my voice to the support for the Bill, which will help to secure the role and status of BSL in communities across the country.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Richard Holden and James Davies

Tuesday 9th November 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mr Richard Holden (North West Durham) (Con)]

3. What steps he is taking to reduce incidents of drug smuggling into prisons.

[Dr James Davies (Vale of Clwyd) (Con)]

10. What steps he is taking to reduce incidents of drug smuggling into prisons.

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Dominic Raab)]

In the 12 months to March 2021, the number of incidents in which drugs were found in prisons decreased by 6% to 20,295.