Mark Isherwood Backs BSL Bill as Plaid Cymru Manifesto Mentioned

Wales's plaid cymru manifesto debate now sits alongside a legal change: the British Sign Language bill has received Royal Assent and become law. The measure was introduced by Conservative Senedd Member Mark Isherwood, ending Wales's status as the only UK nation without specific sign language protections.

The new law creates a framework to promote and support British Sign Language in Wales and requires Welsh Government ministers to develop a national BSL strategy. That gives deaf BSL signers a clearer route for pressing for access across public services that the BSL Wales Consortium said have too often left their language needs unmet.

Mark Isherwood and March 11

Isherwood introduced the bill and told the Senedd on March 11 that, "This really is a momentous occasion and one that I’m very proud to be part of." He also said, "This really has been cross-party working of the highest order."

He added that "BSL is fundamental to communication and inclusion in everyday life." In the same remarks, he said that for many deaf people it is "their first language, the primary way they express themselves, connect with others and access the services they rely upon."

Senedd backing last month

Senedd Members from across the political spectrum backed the bill last month, giving it the support needed before Royal Assent. Isherwood is not seeking re-election next week, which means he will not be in the chamber when the new framework starts to move from legislation toward implementation.

The BSL Wales Consortium called the bill's passing a historic milestone. The group said it has long seen BSL signers navigate inaccessible public services every day, with language needs denied across healthcare, education, transport, and more.

BSL Wales Consortium

Alison Bryan and Dr Rob Wilks, the consortium's co-chairs, said they hope to see an early implementation of the legislation after the Senedd elections and want to work with the new Welsh Government on that process. The consortium said the act is a critical step in the right direction and that deaf BSL signers should have a real say over decisions that affect their lives.

For readers who use BSL, the change is practical rather than symbolic: the law now gives ministers a duty to build a national strategy, and the next test is whether the Welsh Government turns that duty into day-to-day service access after the elections.