Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage will hold a debate in the Chamber of the House of Commons, to discuss illiteracy and innumeracy within the adult population, on Thursday.
As a keen advocate of lifelong learning, Caroline is committed to promoting training and skills development, both of which depend upon one's literacy and numeracy abilities. Over the past two years, she has frequently raised the matter at PMQs and during questions to various government departments.
Speaking ahead of the debate, Caroline said:
"A staggering one in six adults in the UK are functionally illiterate, and the number of those who are innumerate is even higher. This is an issue that must be addressed if we are to build a skilled economy that will drive Britain forward in the global race.
Unfortunately, adult literacy and numeracy problems are often missed off the agenda as no government department can take sole responsibility. Therefore, to be able to invite MPs and departmental officials to debate this matter provides a unique opportunity to promote meaningful collaboration between departments."
Thursday's debate will begin at approximately 1130 in the Chamber of the House of Commons and will run for three hours.