Thank you very much for contacting me about the Drag Queen Story Hour.
Understandably, there have been a number of concerns about the events taking place in libraries across the country. Public libraries, and the events they host are the responsibility of the local council. While it is important that a love of reading is instilled at a young age, councils should also be focusing on providing front line services and keeping council tax down, to help families with the cost of living. If libraries run by the council do decide to host an event with an external organisation, the content of the event must be age-appropriate. It is not immediately obvious that Drag Queen Story Hour can meet that criterion.
This is an issue I will continue to monitor closely and thank you again for contacting me.
Craig Whittaker MP
August 2022