As we mark 100 years since the first women gained the right to vote, Moorlands MP, Karen Bradley is pleased to support UK Parliament Week.
UK Parliament Week is a UK-wide festival taking place from 12-18 November, which aims to engage people, especially young people, from different backgrounds and communities, with the UK Parliament and empower them to get involved.
UK Parliament Week is part of the UK Parliament’s Vote 100 programme, celebrating equal voting rights and other milestones in the UK’s democratic history. A record high of 32% women MPs were elected to the House of Commons in 2017’s General Election. There is further to go in encouraging diversity; UK Parliament invites people of all backgrounds to have a say in their democracy.
Other centenaries coming up this year include the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act which gave women over 21 the right to stand for election as an MP (21 November) and the 1918 General Election when women over 30 and all men over 21 voted for the first time (14 December).
Karen said:
“I always try to show local people what a very special place I have the honour and privilege to work in by organising coach trips from Staffordshire Moorlands to Parliament and by encouraging local schools to also visit through the Parliament Education Centre.
UK Parliament Week 2018 is a great way to ensure that our voters and citizens of tomorrow understand how vital their participation is in our democracy.”
Schools can go behind the scenes of the UK Parliament and take a tour of the historic building to see democracy in action. Students can also take part in engaging workshops in the dedicated Education Centre which uses immersive technology to create a unique learning experience.
Visits are free of charge and suitable for students aged 6-18. Workshop themes range from law making, debating and campaigning to exploring the rich history of our democracy. Schools should call the Parliament Education Centre on 020 7219 4496 for more information.