The MP thanked the hon. Member for securing this debate and praised World Book Day's contribution to children's education. She highlighted worrying statistics from the annual literacy survey, noting only 40% of children enjoy reading in their free time and 28% read daily. The MP stressed the importance of books for children in poorer households and called for a curriculum review to ensure basic skills are taught effectively. She also emphasised the role of libraries in encouraging reading among children and acknowledged the efforts of charities such as the National Literacy Trust.

Thanked the hon. Friend for securing the debate, praising the Government's achievement in increasing literacy levels among young people through an emphasis on phonics and core skills that encourage reading for fun.

Emphasised the importance of reading for children's development, noting a BookTrust survey that less than half of children under seven from low-income families are read bedtime stories. Praised World Book Day and highlighted the literary tradition in Staffordshire, including Arthur Conan Doyle's visit to Great Wyrley. The hon. Member makes an important point. Some of the statistics are interesting: people who read just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to have greater life satisfaction, and 19% of readers say that reading stops them feeling lonely. Similarly, non-readers are 28% more likely to report feelings of depression. Reading is therefore good not just from an educational point of view but from a mental health point of view.

Jim Shannon expressed his love for books and the importance of World Book Day. He highlighted how reading enables people to explore different worlds and escape from daily life, encouraging children to engage with literature through activities like book-swapping initiatives in schools. He emphasized that literacy is a challenge requiring funding support for schools. Shannon also mentioned Northern Ireland's high ranking globally in primary school children's reading proficiency but noted the need for continued efforts to ensure all children can read well and enjoy books. Name them!

The MP highlighted the importance of World Book Day in primary schools with high levels of deprivation. He mentioned a story about a school librarian who changed a young girl's life by introducing her to books, which helped her see an alternative path and avoid a troubled future. The MP also discussed the historical significance of libraries and advocated for their continued support despite financial constraints.

Argued that Worcestershire would dispute the suggestion that Tolkien's Shire was based on Staffordshire and suggested that Tolkien enjoyed looking at the Malvern hills, which may have inspired Mordor.

Welcomed the debate on World Book Day, highlighting the popularity of Stafford libraries and celebrating HarperCollins' initiative to deliver 50 books to every primary school in his constituency. Emphasised the importance of promoting reading across Stafford. Agreed with the promotion of reading and highlighted Tolkien's connection to his constituency, emphasizing the importance for children in England to rank fourth globally for reading.