Andy Burnham backs ethnicity options for UK census

Andy Burnham has indicated his backing for dedicated options in future population counts that would allow individuals to identify specifically as Black English or Asian English. The development follows a legislative push by Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde, who is calling for widened ethnicity choices for respondents in the upcoming national census scheduled for 2031.

During the last census held in 2021, 'English' was offered solely within a broader white ethnic category, leaving those wishing to describe themselves as Black English or Asian English with no specific choice other than using a free-form text box—a method Babarinde likened to writing in the margin.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Asked during Prime Minister's Questions whether he would support Babarinde's proposal, Burnham stated he had not yet reviewed the specific details of the plan. He emphasized the necessity of uniting people and expressed a willingness to collaborate with anyone in Parliament sharing that objective. However, Burnham did not reply to a follow-up inquiry from Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey regarding whether he would meet Babarinde to discuss the initiative, nor did he specify if the government would allocate parliamentary time to debate it.

Babarinde formally introduced his proposed legislation using the ten-minute rule, a parliamentary mechanism allowing MPs to pitch new policy ideas. While such private members' bills rarely become law without government backing, they are frequently utilized to raise public awareness and stimulate media discourse on specific political issues.