Justin Tomlinson MP visits the North Swindon Library
Justin Tomlinson MP today joined MPs from all parties at the launch of the All Party Parliamentary Literacy Group.
It is a simple fact that literacy transforms lives – with better literacy, everyone can succeed in life, yet one in six people in the UK struggle to read and write. This means that they live without the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills they need to fulfil their potential. A society that struggles with literacy suffers from acute social, economic and cultural problems that undermine and divide communities. This should not be the reality in the UK, but it sadly is.
The All Party Parliamentary Literacy Group will champion the fight to improve public understanding of the vital importance and impact of literacy. We hope that by raising the profile of the literacy mission, we will be able to encourage individuals in most need of support to understand the importance of literacy in their lives and to inspire them to overcome their own anxieties or prejudices about literacy.
After the launch the Group hosted its first event - a launch reception for the ‘WICKED’ Young Writers' Award, which recognises excellence in writing encourages creativity and helps develop writing talent in young people. MPs were joined at the reception by the cast of the hit West End musical ‘WICKED’, who are playing their part in supporting the Young Writers Award.
Justin Tomlinson MP said "I am delighted to join the All Party Parliamentary Literacy Group. Literacy is a basic skill that people need to succeed in life and fulfil their potential but too often those who are struggling are too scared to ask for help. I hope that the work of the Group in raising awareness of the importance of literacy can help those that are struggling get the support they need."