The Westminster Language Challenge is back for its second year—and Parliament, we hope you’re ready for round two! After a hugely successful debut in 2025, Duolingo is relaunching the Challenge to inspire even more language learning in Parliament and strengthen the UK’s culture of multilingualism.
Last year, MPs and Peers embraced the initiative with enthusiasm, demonstrating how language learning can foster connection, empathy, and deeper cultural understanding in government. Now, the Challenge is returning January 6, 2026, with a twist: this year, Westminster will compete alongside The Academy, bringing MPs, peers, Vice Chancellors, parliamentary staff, and university staff together in a nationwide competition. And we can’t wait to see how Parliament and the higher education sector rise to the challenge!
Why the Westminster Language Challenge matters
Duolingo’s original research revealed a significant decline in language proficiency among UK parliamentarians over the past two decades. Yet the data also showed something hopeful: 74% of MPs said they want to learn another language.
The Westminster Language Challenge builds on that momentum. It empowers MPs and Peers to develop language skills that enrich diplomatic conversations, strengthen international relationships, and deepen cultural appreciation—skills that matter now more than ever in a globally connected political landscape.
How the Westminster Language Challenge works
The 2026 Challenge runs from January 6 to February 26, 2026.Participants compete by learning any language on Duolingo, earning experience points (XP) as they study. At the end of the Challenge, the top performers will be crowned Duolingo’s Westminster Language Champions.
This year’s rewards make participation even more meaningful:
- £20,000 prize fund: the top 3 MPs/peers and top 3 Vice Chancellors will share prize funds for a charity or a modern languages/study abroad department.
- A visit from Duo: the top-scoring MP and Vice Chancellor win a visit from Duo to their constituency or campus.
- Duolingo swag packs: the top ten staffers across Westminster and universities receive exclusive prize packs.
- The winner will be honored at a special event in Parliament in April
The Challenge celebrates effort, consistency, and curiosity—values that make language learning transformative for diplomacy and leadership.
Building on last year’s success
In 2025, participants showed how even basic language skills can improve intercultural understanding and communicate respect in diplomatic settings. As Baroness Coussins, Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages, emphasized, multilingualism is essential for meaningful global engagement.
John Warne, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Linguistics, shared a similar insight:
“Even basic language skills can transform diplomatic relationships and show respect for other cultures. What matters is the willingness to try and the commitment to understanding others in their own linguistic context.”
These reflections highlight the Challenge’s broader impact: Parliament is not just learning languages—it’s modeling the curiosity and openness needed for constructive global dialogue.
Championing multilingualism in the UK
The decline in linguistic diversity in Parliament mirrors long-term national trends in language learning. The Westminster Language Challenge is one way to reignite interest across the country by showcasing Parliament’s leadership and commitment to multilingual skills.
This challenge is a movement to revitalize language learning in the UK and celebrate the benefits of multilingualism for diplomacy, national identity, and cultural connection. So UK, get ready, your next language challenge begins now! Inspire the nation, lead by example, and help strengthen the UK’s global voice, one lesson at a time.