Ratify the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention 1989 (ILO Convention 169)

We ask the Government to ratify ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples and consider whether it would be appropriate to formally recognise the English, Scottish, Welsh, Cornish, and Manx as the indigenous peoples of Great Britain and its isles.

We believe this would affirm their ancient cultural, linguistic, and genetic continuity. Britain's native peoples have inhabited these islands continuously since post-Ice Age times, with many recent genetic studies showing deep ancestry predating known major migrations. Recognition under ILO 169, and UNDRIP principles which the UK endorsed, would we believe protect distinct identities, languages, and heritage without exclusion. Comparable cases exist, e.g., Māori (arrived ~13th century, recognised in NZ) and Sámi (Bronze Age presence, recognised in Scandinavia). We believe this is about historical truth and cultural equity.

The UK Government is grateful to all those who have taken the time to sign this petition.

The Government recognises and values the diverse cultures, histories, languages and identities that form the UK and its Overseas Territories. We remain committed to protecting and promoting human rights, cultural heritage and minority languages, both domestically and internationally.

The UK fully recognises that individuals belonging to indigenous communities are entitled to the full protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms under international law, on an equal basis to all other individuals. Human rights are universal and apply equally to all.

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from racial discrimination amongst the nine protected characteristics. The protection of people from racial discrimination includes their ethnic or national origin. This ensures that all people are treated equally regardless of their ethnic or national origin.

The UK supported the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2007 and continues to support its principles. The government’s position is that national minority groups and other ethnic groups within the UK and its Overseas Territories do not fall within the scope of "indigenous peoples" as that term is understood in international instruments such as UNDRIP or the International Labour Organisation's Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (ILO Convention No. 169).

As the government does not consider the ILO Convention No. 169 to be applicable in the context of the UK and its Overseas Territories, it has no plans to ratify the Convention.