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

Open for signatures 10,027 signatures

What the petition asks

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.

Timeline

1 Apr 2026	Petition opened for signatures
24 Jul 2026	Passed 10,000 signatures, requiring a government response

Key facts

Signatures 10,027

Status Open for signatures

Department Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Opened 1 Apr 2026

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