The process of changing one's legal name and surname in the United Kingdom should be accessible and affordable for everyone. Unfortunately, the current requirement to pay fees for a deed poll creates an unnecessary financial barrier that often prevents individuals from reclaiming their identity, especially when these names have a historical connotation to slavery.

For many individuals, their given names carry deep cultural or personal significance, yet others have been burdened with names linked to oppressive or unwanted historical legacies. These so-called "slave names" are inherited from ancestors who were forced into servitude, reflecting a painful part of history that many wish to move beyond. The fees associated with a legal name change act as a gatekeeper, preventing people from freely and fully expressing their personal and cultural identities.

The UK Parliament has the power to change this by enacting a national law to waive deed poll fees for name changes. Such a move would symbolize a commitment to acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices, offering individuals the freedom to claim identities that resonate with their values and heritage.

Moreover, simplifying the process of name changes could encourage more citizens to engage with other civic processes, knowing that the government recognises and supports their personal journeys.

It is time for the UK to set an example by prioritising the rights of individuals over bureaucratic hurdles and to make this essential service free. Join us as we urge the UK Parliament to make legal name and surname changes free and simple for everyone. Sign this petition to support this crucial change.