Early day motion · EDM 2818 · 23 Feb 2026

World Book Day 2026

Tabled by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) 15 signatures

The motion

That this House celebrates preparations for World Book Day 2026, recognising the continued importance of this annual event in promoting a love of reading among children and young people across the UK and Northern Ireland; acknowledges the vital contribution that reading makes to educational attainment, personal development and mental wellbeing; notes the work of schools, libraries, teachers, parents, carers, publishers, authors, volunteers and literacy charities in encouraging reading for pleasure and supporting literacy development; further notes that strong reading skills are fundamental to tackling educational disadvantage and improving social mobility; and calls on the Government to continue supporting initiatives that widen access to books, strengthen school and public library services, and promote reading as a cornerstone of young people’s education and future success.