British Sign Language is recognised as a language of England, Wales and Scotland.

Subsection (1) does not affect the operation of any enactment or rule of law.

But see sections 2 and 3 (which, in connection with the recognition of British Sign Language by subsection (1), impose duties on the Secretary of State relating to the promotion and facilitation of the use of British Sign Language).

In this section, “enactment” includes an enactment comprised in, or in an instrument made under, an Act of the Scottish Parliament.