MP for the Cities of London & Westminster, Nickie Aiken, highlighted her New Year's resolution to learn British Sign Language, in a question to Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP.
Nickie has been inspired by the stories from her conversations with the National Deaf Children's Society on the challenges many deaf children have faced throughout the pandemic, as well as Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won BBC Strictly Come Dancing last month, to learn British Sign Language for her New Year's resolution.
Speaking in the Chamber, Nickie said,
"Thank you Mr Speaker and Happy New Year. When I met with the National Deaf Children's Society recently, they outlined the challenges that many deaf children have had to deal with during the pandemic. It is these children, as well as Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won Strictly Come Dancing last month, who have inspired me to learn British Sign Language as my New Year's resolution.
"Mr Speaker, I would like to know if the Leader of the House would like to join me, but if not, as his time probably doesn't allow, what his New Year's resolution is?"
Jacob Rees-Mogg MP replied,
"I am grateful to the Honourable Lady. I'm afraid I have never been very good at learning languages. Even English, I only just about manage to get by with.
"No, I'm afraid my life is absolutely hopeless, so I think my New Year's resolution Mr Speaker, in support of my Honourable Friend should be to campaign more in Westminster for the local elections that are coming up in May because it has to be said the Council she used to lead with such distinction is one of the great Conservative Councils in the country. It keeps the council tax down, It keeps good services running. It is a model of its kind. We even managed to hold it in 1990, and I can assure her that I have forgiven the council for the 20 mile an hour speed limit."
