Mocking regional accents is last form of acceptable discrimination, says MP
Labour MPs are calling for an end to the stigma surrounding regional accents, labeling it a form of discrimination that hinders social mobility. The debate highlights how working-class individuals often feel pressured to neutralize their speech to advance in their careers.
Why it matters
The discussion addresses systemic barriers in professional environments and the cultural importance of regional identity in the UK.
Image source, Getty Images By Jennifer McKiernan Political reporter Published 13 minutes ago Northumbrian MP Ian Lavery has claimed mocking people with strong regional accents is is the last form of acceptable discrimination.
The Labour MP for Blyth and Ashington joined fellow MPs railing against those who look down on people because of how they speak, during a debate in Parliament.
Jo Platt, the Labour MP for Leigh and Atherton, led the Westminster Hall debate on regional accents and social mobility, explaining the pressure on people to change the way they speak in order to progress in life.
The debate came as fellow Mancunian, Andy Burnham, is about to become the prime minister.
Burnham has proposed a programme of devolution, including setting up a No 10 North, and MPs said the UK should also regain its pride in the cultural depth of regional accents.
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