Independent bookshops in Oxford West and Abingdon

That this House recognises the important work of independent bookshops in Independent Book Shop Week 2021 from 19 to 26 June; celebrates the significant cultural and economic contributions of local independent bookshops to the communities of Oxford West and Abingdon including the Last Book Jericho, Bookstore Ltd and Mostly Books; notes the community spirit independent book shops create; understands that a book shop is not just a place to purchase a book, but to gain expertise and get advice, attend events and peak people’s interest in reading; acknowledges the threat that online book retailers pose to independent bookshops; calls on people to support local independent book shops as coronavirus restrictions are relaxed; urges the Government to ensure these invaluable assets to the community and the high street are supported so they remain in the years ahead; and further urges the Government to urgently recognise the social value and cultural importance of independent bookshops.