Historical literary documents

Early day motion 209, tabled 16 June 2021 by Barry Sheerman (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 11 members.

That this House recognises the cultural significance of maintaining historical literary documents within the UK for the enjoyment and education of future generations; notes that the Honresfield collection is set to be auctioned later in 2021; further notes that allowing that collection to move into private ownership hampers scholarly access and removes those documents from the heritage landscape in West Yorkshire; asserts that the Honresfield collection would make an ideal centrepiece collection for the proposed British Library North, a potential cultural hub in the North of England; urges the Government to work in collaboration with The Brontë Society to ensure that that collection remains in its place of origin; and further urges the Government to introduce legislative proposals to establish minimum standards of heritage conservation and curation for items of historical literary significance.

Signatures by party: Labour 6, Labour/Co-operative 2, DUP 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Scottish National Party 1.