Leah Williamson and Richard Osman back National Year of Reading

Leah Williamson and Richard Osman back National Year of Reading

The footballer and author are supporting a nationwide campaign, Go All In, which aims to reverse the ‘worrying decline’ in reading for pleasure among children in the UK Leah Williamson, Michael Morpurgo, Julia Donaldson and Richard Osman are among those who have thrown their weight behind a new nationwide push to get people reading for pleasure, as the government and the National Literacy Trust launch the National Year of Reading. The year-long campaign, called Go All In, aims to reverse what organisers describe as a “worrying decline” in reading enjoyment among children and young people. Just one in three 8- to 18-year-olds now say they enjoy reading in their spare time. Only 26% of boys read for pleasure, compared to 39% of girls. More than a quarter of children are leaving primary school having not reached the reading age of an 11-year-old. Continue reading...

Labour MPs plan to oppose move to restrict protest at animal testing sites

Labour MPs plan to oppose move to restrict protest at animal testing sites

Campaigners warn proposals being voted on in Commons are threat to ‘long and legitimate history’ of peaceful action Labour MPs are among those planning to vote against a move to restrict protest outside animal breeding and testing facilities by reclassifying them as “key national infrastructure”, amid fresh concerns about the criminalisation of peaceful protest. The government proposal to amend the Public Order Act 2023 using a statutory instrument (SI) has been criticised by MPs and campaigners for using secondary legislation to expand police powers, meaning there is little parliamentary scrutiny and no public consultation. The Guardian understands about 50 MPs in total plan to oppose the amendment in Wednesday’s vote. Continue reading...