From 1-7 November, thousands of people across the East of England will hold more than 1100 activities as part of the UK Parliament Week 2021 celebrations.
UK Parliament Week is an annual event that engages people from across the UK with their UK Parliament. Last year, almost one million people took part in UK Parliament Week, despite the challenging circumstances caused by Covid-19. Activities were held in every nation and region of the UK, as well as countries all over the world.
This year the focus is how small actions can lead to big changes. It is a key opportunity to examine how people across the country can work with the UK Parliament to ensure matters and issues that are important to them are discussed and debated.
Community groups, local organisations and schools in the East of England have already signed up to be part of the conversation and will be running UK Parliament Week activities to appeal to their areas. This includes some of UK Parliament’s partner organisation such as the British Youth Council, Young Citizens, The Shaw Trust and many more. Activities include debating issues, holding votes and campaigning for change – all devised to help people across the UK learn more about Parliament and take an active role in their democracy.
MPs and members of the House of Lords from all parties will be supporting UK Parliament Week activities in the East of England giving the public the opportunity to engage with the political figures involved in making decisions and shaping British politics.
Jasmine Losasso, UK Parliament Outreach Officer for East of England said:
“UK Parliament Week is a special time of year and I always enjoy seeing the wide range of activities that take place across the East of England.”
“Change starts in our communities, and I hope that this year, people of all ages in East of England are inspired to get involved in democracy and feel like they have the tools to make an impact on issues that matter to them”
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons said:
“In my view, people cannot start early enough to get involved in democracy – so taking part in UK Parliament Week is one way to get your voice heard.
If you want to make things happen, you have to be a part of it. This is your chance to raise an issue that you care passionately about, work on a campaign and attract the attention of politicians from all parties.
Hopefully, you will learn something about how Parliament works, but more importantly, we will hear your thoughts on the pressing issues of the day.”
The Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, said:
“I started my own career as a teacher, so I know how important it is to get young people engaged in democracy.
“UK Parliament Week is the perfect opportunity for our schools and communities to find out more about what happens in Parliament, the role it plays in our lives, and mostly importantly, how they can play their part and change the things they care about for the better.”
