Here's why:
* "English" refers to the language itself.
* "British" refers to the country of origin.
Within the United Kingdom (which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), there are many different accents. These include:
* Received Pronunciation (RP): Often considered the "standard" British accent, it's traditionally associated with upper-class speakers and the BBC.
* Cockney: A distinctive accent of London's East End.
* Scouse: The accent of Liverpool.
* Geordie: The accent of Newcastle upon Tyne.
* Scottish: There are several distinct Scottish accents, including the "standard" Scottish accent and the accents of Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Highlands.
* Welsh: There are several different Welsh accents, influenced by the Welsh language.
* Irish: There are several different Irish accents, influenced by the Irish language.
Therefore, when someone says "British accent," they are referring to any accent spoken in the UK. "English accent" refers specifically to accents spoken in England.
It's important to note that while many English accents are considered "British," there are also many regional accents in England that don't sound like the standard "British" accent (RP).