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PM to mark 100 years since the vote was extended to women for the first time

The PM will address invited guests exactly 100 years after the Representation of the People Act was passed, kicking off a year-long series of events and exhibitions commemorating the women and men who fought to achieve electoral equality.

The Representation of the People Act 1918 extended the right to vote to all men over 21 and the first women, making this day one of the most important milestones in British democratic history.

“I look forward to joining hundreds of female Parliamentarians, past and present, to celebrate this very special anniversary”, Mrs May said ahead of today’s launch.

“I’m proud to say we have more women and more ethnic minority MPs in government than ever before – proving that we are committed to looking more like the country we serve.

“Everyone attending tonight will be there because of the heroic, tireless struggle of those who came before us. As well as remembering and giving thanks to those who came before us, we must also look at what more we can do to ensure everyone in the United Kingdom, regardless of background, has the freedom to play a full and active role in public life.”

Opening this event as the UK’s second female Prime Minister, Mrs May will reflect on the enormous progress that has been made, but also on the vital campaigning work that continues today.

All female MPs past and present have been invited, in what is expected to be the largest gathering of the UK’s women politicians ever organised.

The evening will celebrate the pioneering women and men who fought for the right to vote, as well as the contribution of women to politics in the UK. As part of these celebrations, the purple white and green flag of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) will also be flown from the roof of Portcullis House.

To learn more about Vote 100 visit parliament.uk/vote100 or follow @ukparliament on Twitter

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Danielle Mustarde

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