UK How can schools, parents and nurseries encourage reading for pleasure? – Education Committee

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

MPs on the Education Committee explore the role of parents, schools, and early years settings in fostering a love of reading in children.

The Committee is exploring the rapid decline in the number of children reading for pleasure and what action the government can take to improve the situation.

In the first panel, MPs will hear evidence on the role of parents and early years settings in developing a love of reading among young children. They will ask witnesses what obstacles prevent parents reading to their children, as well as whether early years settings prioritise preparing children for school above developing a love of reading.

In the second panel, MPs will explore how teachers and school library staff can encourage children to read for pleasure, how government support could help them, and what role the curriculum plays in developing children’s love of reading.

Witnesses:

Frank Young – Chief Executive at Parentkind
Professor Christine O’Farrelly – Research Professor and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, PEDAL Centre for Research in Play, Education, Development and Learning at University of Cambridge
Julie Cigman – Early Education Associate, consultant and author at Early Education

Mrs Victoria Dilly – Chief Executive at School Library Association
Professor Robert Eaglestone – Professor of Contemporary Literature and Thought, Royal Holloway, University of London and Policy Lead at English Association
Dr Roger McDonald – Associate Professor of Primary Education (Literacy), Faculty of Education and Health at The University of Greenwich

https://committees.parliament.uk/event/27257/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8xhkU_64H4

UK What is State Opening?

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

And what has to happen before a new parliamentary year can begin? 🗓️

The State Opening of Parliament marks the start of a new session. Planned legislation for the next parliamentary year is read out during the King’s Speech in the House of Lords chamber.

Following the King’s Speech, both Houses will debate its contents for several days.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2rb10ZRUXsk

UK State Opening of Parliament 2026

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

The State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday 13 May marks the formal start of the new parliamentary session. The King’s Speech sets out the government’s agenda, outlining proposed policies and legislation.

Watch State Opening 2026 with British Sign Language (BSL) – [LINK]

Find out more: https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2026/may-2026/state-opening-of-parliament-2026/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgO_cWg0m-k

UK Cleaning the crown cloth ASMR 👑

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

This is the crown cloth. During the State Opening of Parliament, the King wears the Imperial State Crown. Before the King’s arrival, the crown is displayed in the Royal Gallery sitting upon this cloth. 👑

The intricate embroidery is lightly cleaned in preparation for the ceremony. The central motif has been changed to reflect the King’s initials – CR.

The Heritage Collections team look after this textile, one of thousands of varied and important objects which are part of Parliament.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e75GhRwnna8