The Publishers Association held a drop in on 10 December 2024. Members of Parliament were asked to raise the importance of reading in our constituencies. The APPG on Publishing held an evidence session to find out why reading for pleasure has dropped.

I have asked the Secretary of State for Education if she will make a National Year of Reading her policy for 2026 in a written question. 

“Concerns are being raised that children and young people’s reading for pleasure has decreased as the National Literacy Trust has said it is the lowest level since the question was first asked in 2005.”   

1 in 7 state primary schools in UK do not have a library.  The National Literacy Trust found that the proportion of children aged 8-11 who said they enjoyed reading in their free time has dropped significantly over the last ten years. This has had a proportional effect of reading skill.

In 1998 the Year of Reading promoted “a culture of reading” and in 2008 the aim was “to build a nation of readers.

A Year of Reading in 2026 will break down barriers to literacy and renew reading for pleasure.                

 

As a member  of the Panel of Chairs, I chaired the delegated legislation committee on the The Draft Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (Addition of Relevant Enactments) Regulations 2024 on 9 December 2024.

This statutory instrument aims to  update the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 by adding specific laws to a list that can be modified for testing new financial technologies or methods (called "FMI sandboxes"). It includes rules on government stocks, money laundering, and securities, allowing more flexibility to experiment with innovations while ensuring legal compliance.

This year, 2024, is the 30th anniversary of the FAIRTRADE Mark in the UK, and the Fairtrade Foundation has been celebrating the achievements of the movement with innovative events and campaigns throughout the year.

It was a pleasure to attend the Fairtrade Christmas Reception at Parliament on 4 December 2024 to learn about the Foundation's work to support millions of farmers in enhancing food sustainability.

Dr. Nyagoy Nyong’o, is the incoming UK Chair of the Fairtrade Foundation, and she shared a beautiful African proverb: ‘However long or dark the night is, the dawn will always break.'.  This holds some much needed hope as we join together to create a fairer and greener global food supply chain.

I spoke to Martin Williams, pictured with me, the associate director of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors at their 'Christmas Drive-Thru' drop-in' event on 3 December 2024.

There are 640 wholesalers who are members of the FWD they supply food to schools, hospitals, prisons, care homes, shops and pubs  providing a link between large food and drink manufacturers and shoppers. Martin said the FWD support the minimum wage and recognize the effect this has on the sector and the need for apprentices.

Martin said these are the main issues that affect his members:  

Retail Crime is a growing threat, with rising theft risks in warehouses. Including wholesale workers in the new Police and Crime Bill, retail crime protections are critical to protecting wholesalers.

Business Rates Reform in the recent Budget introduces a new rate targeting "online retail warehouses" that unfairly penalises wholesalers operating distribution centres. This misclassification raises costs for essential wholesale facilities that support local shops, schools and public services. A fairer classification is needed to avoid placing an undue financial burden on the sector.

Rising Employment Costs from the 6% National Living Wage increase and higher National Insurance contributions add £110 million in costs for wholesalers. While we support fair pay, balancing these costs with necessary investments is challenging and may affect business stability.

The Growth & Skills Levy brings needed flexibility, but ensuring wholesalers can access relevant training programs is key to addressing skill gaps  in logistics and technology. Skills England should prioritise courses that meet the sector's needs to strengthen the workforce and support long-term growth.

For Public Sector Food Supply, the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme provides vital support to children but requires sustained funding beyond 2025. Additionally, rising business costs risk impacting the quality and affordability of food supplied to schools, hospitals, and other institutions. Extending HAF funding and limiting cost pressures will help maintain essential services.

 

I visited the first Christmas Fair which was held at Beechdale, in Birchalls Leamore. these were some for he stalls at the fair. I bought a hand made crochet toy. The Frank Harrison Community Centre was well attended. And there were many stalls, including face painting.