EqualiTeas

To mark the centenary of The Representation of the People Act 1918 which paved the way for men and women over 21 gaining the right to vote ten years later, the UK Parliament is inviting everyone to sign up to EqualiTeas.

EqualiTeas is part of programme of events from UK Parliament to mark 2018’s important milestones for democracy. EqualiTeas, which gives people across the UK the chance to share, debate, and celebrate what democratic equality means to them over a cup of tea, will take place between 18 June and 2 July, 2018.

2018 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 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 presented to the House of Commons on 3 August 1832.

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.

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 Vote 100 celebrations, there are many opportunities for schools, workplaces and community groups across [constituency] to get involved in these key anniversaries.

“Please sign up for EqualiTeas to celebrate our democratic equality, share the things we have in common and debate the changes we would like to see.”

Sign up here!