Jamie Stone says celebrating World Book Day is 'more critical than ever'

Local MP Jamie Stone spoke of his love of reading as he signed a parliamentary motion marking the 25th anniversary of World Book Day.

Around 15 million children and young adults will receive £1 bespoke books across the UK and Ireland in recognition of the event.

Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, said: "Celebrating World Book Day is more critical than ever as Covid-19 has widened the economic and educational gap.

"I want to stress the importance of children from all backgrounds having access to choose and own a book.

"I'm currently reading Looking for Trouble, a sensational memoir of life on the front line of wartime Europe by a trailblazing female reporter [Virginia Cowles]. Quite the read!"

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, reading for pleasure is the single most significant indicator of a child’s future success – more than family circumstances, parents’ educational background or income.

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