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Join the Minister for Schools and other key figures to debate literacy at the political party conferences
17 Sep 2010
The National Literacy Trust is holding a fringe debate event at each political party conference this autumn.
Confirmed speakers at the free events include Nick Gibb, Minister for Schools; Lord Graham Tope, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries and Literacy; Lord Jim Knight, former Minister for Schools; and Toby Young, journalist, author and Free Schools advocate.
The “Rising to the Literacy Challenge: Building a bright future for Britain” early evening debates will examine the future of literacy in the UK and are open to all.
National Literacy Trust Policy Adviser George Dugdale said:
“Literacy is at the heart of education and social justice, and in the modern world it is increasingly crucial. However, recent international comparisons have revealed worrying statistics about literacy in the UK.
“With the new Coalition Government the literacy landscape is set to undergo enormous change. At these events we will debate how these changes could enable us to rise to the literacy challenge.”
The events, kindly supported by Starbucks, will give the panellists the chance to explain their ideas for how we can create a more literate Britain. Given the wide range of specialisms among the speakers the discussion will focus on a number of areas within the literacy landscape including libraries, schools and early years settings.
The events are free to attend and open to all. Refreshments will be provided. Visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/events to find out more and reserve your free place.
ends.
For more information about the events or to arrange an interview with National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas, please contact Farah Pasha on 020 7587 1842 or at farah.pasha@literacytrust.org.uk
Notes to editors
About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/support
National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842.
Event Details
Liberal Democrat event
Date & Time: Tuesday 21 September 2010 17.30-18.30
Location: Starbucks Coffee House, 140a Paradise Street, Liverpool L1 8JF
Chair: Spencer Neal, New Statesman
Panellists: Lord Graham Tope, Judy Friedberg (Journalist, Guardian), Jonathan Douglas (Director, National Literacy Trust)
Refreshments: Free coffee and pastries
Labour Party event
Date & Time: Tuesday 28 September 2010 17:30-18:30
Location: Starbucks Coffee House, 9-11 St Anne's Square, Manchester, M2 7EF
Panellists: Lord Jim Knight, Lyn Brown MP, Kevin Courtney, Jonathan Douglas
Conservative Party event
Date & Time: Tuesday 5 October 2010 17:30-18:30
Location: Starbucks Coffee House, 114-115 New Street, Birmingham B2 4JH
Panellists: Nick Gibb MP, Minister for Schools, Toby Young, Gavin Barwell MP, Miriam Gross
Confirmed speakers at the free events include Nick Gibb, Minister for Schools; Lord Graham Tope, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries and Literacy; Lord Jim Knight, former Minister for Schools; and Toby Young, journalist, author and Free Schools advocate.
The “Rising to the Literacy Challenge: Building a bright future for Britain” early evening debates will examine the future of literacy in the UK and are open to all.
National Literacy Trust Policy Advisor George Dugdale said:
“Literacy is at the heart of education and social justice, and in the modern world it is increasingly crucial. However, recent international comparisons have revealed worrying statistics about literacy in the UK.
“With the new Coalition Government the literacy landscape is set to undergo enormous change. At these events we will debate how these changes could enable us to rise to the literacy challenge.”
The events, kindly supported by Starbucks, will give the panellists the chance to explain their ideas for how we can create a more literate Britain. Given the wide range of specialisms among the speakers the discussion will focus on a number of areas surrounding the liter
The National Literacy Trust is holding a fringe debate event at each political party conference this autumn.
Confirmed speakers at the free events include Nick Gibb, Minister for Schools; Lord Graham Tope, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries and Literacy; Lord Jim Knight, former Minister for Schools; and Toby Young, journalist, author and Free Schools advocate.
The “Rising to the Literacy Challenge: Building a bright future for Britain” early evening debates will examine the future of literacy in the UK and are open to all.
National Literacy Trust Policy Advisor George Dugdale said:
“Literacy is at the heart of education and social justice, and in the modern world it is increasingly crucial. However, recent international comparisons have revealed worrying statistics about literacy in the UK.
“With the new Coalition Government the literacy landscape is set to undergo enormous change. At these events we will debate how these changes could enable us to rise to the literacy challenge.”
The events, kindly supported by Starbucks, will give the panellists the chance to explain their ideas for how we can create a more literate Britain. Given the wide range of specialisms among the speakers the discussion will focus on a number of areas within the literacy landscape including libraries, schools and early years settings.
The events are free to attend and open to all. Refreshments will be provided. Visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/events to find out more and reserve your free place.
ends.
For more information about the events or to arrange an interview with National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas, please contact Farah Pasha on 020 7587 1842 or at farah.pasha@literacytrust.org.uk
Notes to editors
About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/support
National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842.
Event Details
Liberal Democrat event
Date & Time: Tuesday 21 September 2010 17.30-18.30
Location: Starbucks Coffee House, 140a Paradise Street, Liverpool L1 8JF
Chair: Spencer Neal, New Statesman
Panellists: Lord Graham Tope, Judy Friedberg (Journalist, Guardian), Jonathan Douglas (Director, National Literacy Trust)
Refreshments: Free coffee and pastries
acy landscape including libraries, schools and early years settings.
The events are free to attend and open to all. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided. Visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/events to find out more and reserve your free place.
ends.
For more information about the events or to arrange an interview with National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas, please contact Farah Pasha on 020 7587 1842 or at farah.pasha@literacytrust.org.uk
