Many of you will know that one topic I have been particularly keen to promote in Parliament is the power of books in changing lives and the importance of literacy in a child’s development. As part of my work to champion this important cause, I spoke this week in a Parliamentary debate on improving children’s access to books.
I have been active on this issue throughout my entire time in politics, as a Borough Councillor and as a MP. I was proud to have chaired the all-party group for libraries in Parliament, and I was the lead member for libraries on Swindon Borough Council - which included delivering the award-winning new Central Library. Recently, I have also joined the all-party parliamentary group on literacy.
In addition, every year I host the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge in Parliament to encourage children to continue reading throughout the summer holidays – I am always delighted to see so many of my Parliamentary colleagues supporting this important initiative.
However, there is still work to be done to improve children’s access to books and to encourage them to read. During this week’s debate, I wanted to highlight this and offer some ways we can achieve these aims.
My speech focused on four key areas – the first being supporting school libraries. It is telling that those schools with the best libraries have the best engagement. I do understand the challenges in this area - which is why I am hugely supportive of the School Library Association, which is actually based in Swindon, and the work it does to champion the cause, share best practice and deliver opportunities to make the money go that little bit further.
Secondly, I highlighted the importance of engaging with potential volunteers who can give their time to help children with their reading. We should do all we can to encourage schools to utilise members of our community who have the time and are willing to help.
My third point was about public libraries. I emphasised the importance of making opening hours suit busy families, particularly utilising evenings or weekends, along with linking them around events to give families a reason to visit. In Swindon we have seen the success of switching community libraries to parish councils, who can be more flexible with their budget.
My final point was around placing an emphasis on new parents, so that all parents understand the opportunities that reading provides children. Initiatives, such as the National Literacy Trust book packs, which are handed out by health visitors, are really important, and we should build on this work.
This week I also got confirmation from the Secretary of State for Health that the Government’s recent £49 million investment in the new Urgent Treatment and Radiotherapy Centres, and the A&E expansion, is the largest investment on Swindon Healthcare Facilities. My South Swindon colleague Robert Buckland MP and I have championed the need for these facilities in Swindon and campaigned to secure this funding. It was fantastic to see the new UTC and Radiotherapy Centre completed and operational, and I very much look forward to seeing work on the A&E progress. We will certainly continue to push for this record funding to continue.
Finally, I was also delighted to welcome members of the Blunsdon Community Shop team to Parliament this week. It was great to show them round Westminster and give them an idea of what life is like there – as well as catching up with them about their fantastic work.
