TO mark 90 years since men and women over 21 gained the right to vote, MP Helen Jones is inviting everyone in her constituency to sign-up to EqualiTeas to share, debate, and celebrate what equality means to them over a cup of tea.
This year marks 100 years since The Representation of the People Act 1918 extended the right to vote to all men over 21 and the first women, making this one of the most important centenaries in British democratic history.
Ten years later The Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928, gave all men and women over 21 the right to vote. These acts followed years of campaigning; with the first petition to Parliament asking for votes for women was presented to the House of Commons on August 3 1832.
As part of programme of events from UK Parliament to mark these important milestones for democracy, EqualiTeas will take place between today and July 2.
Historically, tea parties were hotbeds of political activism. It was one of the few ways women could meet without men to discuss and plan. The leading suffrage organisations used tea parties and tea shops as central elements in their campaigning, to increase awareness, discuss tactics and raise money. But, events do not have to be a tea party, just an event or activity that brings people together to discuss equality, and anyone can hold an EqualiTeas tea party, whether it is big or small, private or public, inside or out.
Helen said:“ The Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928 was a vital step towards the rights women and men have today, and these anniversaries are an incredibly important opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come.
“ We all know that there is still more to do when it comes to equality in Britain, and EqualiTeas is an excellent opportunity to reach out to others in our community and share our ideas for an even more equal society, while celebrating the strides we have already made.
“I look forward to working with people across Warrington North to ensure we create an even more equal society.”
David Clark, Head of Education and Engagement at UK Parliament, said: “Whether it’s chatting about the issues over a cup of tea, or engaging with one of the many exciting events as part of this year’s UK Parliament Week, there are many opportunities for schools, workplaces and community groups across Warrington North to get involved in these key anniversaries.
“ We can only work towards a more equal society by communicating with each other and building stronger communities, so please sign up for EqualiTeas to share the things we have in common and debate the changes we would like to see.”
1 Comment
“I look forward to working with people across Warrington North to ensure we create an even more equal society.” So does mean that Helen is getting the kettle on and welcoming people in for a brew? Meeting ordinary people to discuss their experiences of equality and inequality perhaps? Sounds like a winner to me and this is something that I would wholly support – credit where it’s due. Unless of course it’s just words? And only words?. And there is nothing tangible to actually back it up? Over to you Helen