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120 years of the Language Assistant Programme and international cultural exchange

Early day motion 79, tabled 13 May 2026 by Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 15 members.

That this House celebrates the Language Assistant Programme, which has been running for 120 years since its establishment in 1905 between the United Kingdom, France and Germany; recognises that what began as a small initiative has grown into a global exchange connecting people and classrooms across generations; notes the significant contribution the programme has made to language learning, cultural exchange and international understanding, enabling participants to live and work abroad while sharing their language and culture in the UK; further recognises the positive impact of language assistants in enriching education and broadening pupils’ horizons; commends the central role of the British Council in administering and sustaining the programme in partnership with organisations worldwide; and pays tribute to all those who have taken part over the past 120 years, strengthening the United Kingdom’s global connections and soft power.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 12, Labour 2, DUP 1.