10 July 2007
Philip Dunne joined Dyslexia Action and leading authors, Michael Dobbs, Ken Follett and Sally Gardner, together with youngsters with dyslexia to create their longest story, entitled 'Every politician loves to tell a story' at Westminster today.Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, joined Dyslexia Action and leading authors, Michael Dobbs, Ken Follett and Sally Gardner, together with youngsters with dyslexia to create their longest story, entitled 'Every politician loves to tell a story' at Westminster today.

Mr Dunne wrote a few lines for this story to highlight the importance of reading and encouraging young children to engage in books and literacy.

Mr Dunne said: "Dyslexia and literacy difficulties affect hundreds of children in our area. Having the ability to read and write fluently and accurately affects everything that our children do at school and beyond. It is critical that all children at risk of reading failure are identified and adequately supported at the earliest stage in their education.

Before becoming an MP, I was chairman of a bookstore chain so am well aware of the importance of encouraging reading amongst young children, particularly those who find it difficult."

Dyslexia Action Chief Executive, Shirley Cramer, adds: "It has been well documented that as many as 20% of our children are moving from primary to secondary education with below average literacy skills. Dyslexia Action is committed to raising awareness about dyslexia and literacy difficulties. Early intervention is the key to avoiding long-term problems not just to the individual but to our economy as a whole. Every young person should have the opportunity to reach their true potential.

"I would like to thank Philip Dunne for being able to support our parliamentary event today."

The story was started by Ken Follett, Sally Gardner and Michael Dobbs and was then continued by each politician that signed it.

The story will be auctioned to raise money for dyslexic people later in the year at Dyslexia Action's November annual awards dinner.

Photo: Philip Dunne MP together with Michael Dobbs, Ken Follett, Sally Gardner and the dyslexic children reading the 'Every MP loves to tell a story' book.