Deptford’s MP put a question to Boris Johnson in sign language today, challenging the PM over the absence of interpreters at Government press conferences.

Vicky Foxcroft, Labour MP for Lewisham Deptford & Shadow Minister for Disabled People, signed her question silently before speaking over video link in the House of Commons.

Despite the Government spending £2.6m of taxpayers’ money on a new press room, briefings occur without an interpreter, as they have done throughout the pandemic.

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Vicky Foxcroft said: “If the Prime Minister doesn’t understand, imagine how those who rely on British Sign Language feel at his press briefings.

“£2.6 million spent on the new press room, yet still no interpreter.

“What message does he think this sends to disabled people?”

Boris Johnson responded: “I’m grateful to the honourable lady and grateful for the way she has set out her question.

“I will revert to her as soon as I can.”

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters attend briefings in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but have yet to appear with experts and politicians in England.

The BBC provides a superimposed translator on the BBC News channel during briefings, who also appears on Downing Street’s live Twitter feed.

However, some deaf people have not been able to readily access these either due to a lack of social media or TV licence, and the interpreter often disappeared when slides were used.

Subtitles can also be used on television, but these regularly include mistakes and, due to language deprivation, many deaf people have difficulty reading English.

Vicky Foxcroft first raised the issue in October, when she asked whether an interpreter would be present at an important briefing.

“I doubt that we will get one in time, but the point is registered,” replied the Prime Minister.

The Government has so far defended itself by referring to the presence of a superimposed interpreter on BBC broadcasts.