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.
