Prestige Network makes history

PR Log (Press Release) – Nov 02, 2009 – Berkshire-based language services provider Prestige Network Ltd has made history (Friday 30 October) by providing two British Sign Language/English interpreters (BSL) for a series of UK Youth Parliament debates in the House of Commons.

The ground-breaking move comes as the UK Youth Parliament also makes history – it is the only time in 300 years that anyone other than MPs has been allowed to speak from there.

Prestige Network’s provision of two British Sign Language/English interpreters has helped oil the wheels of democracy for the 11 to 18-year-old elected Members of Youth Parliament taking up the seats in the Houses of Parliament normally occupied by MPs.

Chris Barnes, Head of Public Sector Sales at Prestige Network, said: “We are very proud that Prestige Network has played a key role in the democratic process by providing two British Sign Language/English interpreters. The House of Commons Overseas Office placed the order with us on Tuesday, just two clear days away from the occasion itself. They were pleased that we were able to help out - they had approached several organisations, but we managed to find people for them within 15 minutes.

“The use of British Sign Language/English interpreters today (Friday 30 October) was essential in order to engage all young people - enabling every single one of them to integrate into the debates and not to feel disenfranchised. Cultural and language divisions in communities can be a big problem so it is satisfying to be involved in such projects.“

The signers were based in the Chamber itself, in a key position in view of the elected members. There were over 300 young people present from all across the UK, debating five issues that have been chosen by an internet poll as the most important for young people today: free university education; youth crime and how to tackle it; free transport for over 60s (but not for young people); capitalism, the economy and job opportunities for young people; lowering the voting age to 16.