Michael Fabricant has caused a ripple over the usually calm waters of
Parliamentary Early Day Motions by tabling an amendment to an innocuous
Parliamentary Motion calling for a Charles Darwin Day. Michael Fabricant
claims that as Charles Darwin got many of his ideas from the work undertaken
in Lichfield by Erasmus Darwin, his grandfather, there ought to be an
Erasmus Darwin Day too.

The original Motion reads:

EDM 706

That this House notes the scientific achievements of Charles Darwin in the
face of centuries of religious dogma; welcomes proposals for the creation of
a ‘Charles Darwin Day’ in recognition of the ground-breaking work of the
British scientist responsible for the theory of evolution by natural
selection; and calls for Darwin’s birthday, 12th February, to be designated
a public holiday, in honour of one of the fathers of modern science.

Michael’s Amendment reads:

at end of Motion add:
but notes that many of his ideas followed from the research undertaken by
Erasmus Darwin, Charles’ grandfather, while he practised medicine in
Lichfield and calls for an Erasmus Darwin day too.

"The life and work of Erasmus Darwin has unfortunately been overshadowed by
that of his grandson. But anyone who visits the excellent Erasmus Darwin
Museum in Lichfield, where the original Darwin was a doctor, will learn
that many of Charles’ ideas originated from the work of his illustrious
grandfather, Erasmus. If Charles Darwin were awarded a special day, I
believe that Erasmus should have his day in the sun too!", says Michael
Fabricant.