Documents to download

In 2017, the United Nations (UN) designated 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages. This briefing marks the 2019 day by providing a summary of the history of sign languages, their use today and current debates around the teaching of British Sign Language (BSL) in the UK.


Documents to download

Related posts

  • Infected blood scandal: Background, impacts, inquiry outcomes and compensation

    Between 1970 and the early 1990s, over 30,000 NHS patients were given blood transfusions, or treatments made using blood products, which were contaminated with hepatitis C or HIV. Over 3,000 people have since died, and thousands more live with health conditions. The infected blood inquiry called for immediate compensation, public memorials, and for lessons to be learned in medicine, government and the civil service. In August 2024 the government set out plans for compensation.

    Infected blood scandal: Background, impacts, inquiry outcomes and compensation
  • Vaginal mesh implants: Financial compensation

    Vaginal mesh implants are used to repair damaged internal tissue. However, many women receiving these implants have experienced severe complications. In 2020, an independent review recommended establishing a compensation scheme for the women affected. The Conservative government rejected this recommendation, saying its focus would be on improving product safety. However, calls for redress have continued, with a subsequent review in 2024 also recommending the establishment of a compensation scheme.

    Vaginal mesh implants: Financial compensation
  • Government plans to address children vaping

    This briefing discusses what vaping is and how many children are estimated to use e-cigarettes. It summarises how the advertising of e-cigarettes is currently regulated. It also sets out the previous government’s plans to address issues around children vaping alongside the new government’s plans to introduce legislation similar to that which fell at the end of the previous parliament.

    Government plans to address children vaping