Deaf Community 'Disappointed' No Interpreter Used for Starmer Speech

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) said they were “disappointed” that no sign language interpreter was used during Keir Starmer’s first speech as prime minister on July 5.

In video released by RNID, the British Deaf Association’s head of policy, Tom Litchy, signed that Downing Street had said before the election it would “commit to bringing in interpreters for important national announcements”.

“We want to have equality of access. We want equal respect for the deaf community,” RNID advocacy manager Michael Quinlan signed.

RNID said they had an interpreter “ready to go”, but it had been instead a “lost opportunity” to show inclusion.

Storyful has reached out to the government for comment. Credit: RNID via Storyful