Stuart Anderson MP Calls on South Shropshire Community Groups to Celebrate Parliament Week
Local groups across South Shropshire are being invited to take part in an annual event celebrating British democracy when UK Parliament Week returns in November 2024. Stuart Anderson MP is urging community organisations to take part in the national conversation, which this year takes place between 18th and 24th November 2024. The annual event seeks to inform and educate all citizens about Parliament and to empower them to make a difference in their local communities.
Established in 2011, the flagship public engagement campaign has become a highlight in the parliamentary calendar. Stuart has endorsed the occasion as a fantastic opportunity for schools, youth groups, and community organisations across South Shropshire to find out more about UK Parliament, what it does, and learn about the work of Members of Parliament (MPs).
Last year, 1.6 million people took part in over 16,000 activities across the UK as well as in other countries - with an average of 25 events held per constituency. So far this year, almost 14,000 organisations have signed up - with over 1.5 million school-age children joining in. To take part, constituents can sign up for a free digital kit of learning resources to help them organise local events exploring UK Parliament as part of the nationwide UKPW festival. People can sign up online and are posted free resource kits to help them organise their event including bunting, stickers, a unique Victoria Tower ballot box, a fun Give Way card game, and a booklet. UKPW booklets are tailored for primary schools, secondary schools, youth groups, or adults. Everyone will also get a digital certificate after they have completed their feedback survey. As well as exploring UK Parliament and ways to get involved, this year’s UKPW throws a spotlight on the various roles and people who help to keep our Parliament running.
Events can be scaled up or down, for big or small groups, and can take many forms, from debates and Q&As to quizzes, games and crafts or invitations to MPs or other local representatives to speak. Since being elected, Stuart has visited many schools and groups in his constituency. He has said he wants to keep doing this so he can listen to local concerns, support their campaigns, and deliver positive change. Over 63,000 students from across the UK visited the Palace of Westminster last year. Eligible schools, including those in more distant constituencies and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools, can claim travel subsidy allowances.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“UK Parliament Week offers a valuable opportunity to boost engagement in our democratic processes. It has become a highlight in the parliamentary calendar, with a range of events empowering people to make a difference in their communities. Last year, 1.6 million people took part in over 16,000 activities across the UK as well as in other countries - with an average of 25 events held per constituency. I would encourage everyone to attend, or even organise their own, event to mark this special occasion celebrating our democratic way of life which has inspired many countries.”
Fran Jeens, Head of Education and Engagement at UK Parliament, said:
“UK Parliament Week is a great opportunity for people of all ages to get informed about how they can engage with UK Parliament to make a difference. Every year it’s fantastic to see so many people actively take part in UK Parliament Week. We look forward to lots of UKPW activities taking place in South Shropshire."
Groups are encouraged to sign up for a free resource kit at ukparliamentweek.org .
