In a forthright exchange across the Despatch Box in the Commons Chamber recently, Reading East MP and Shadow Minister for Local Transport Matt Rodda went toe-totoe with his Conservative opposite number, challenging her on the issue of free bus travel for the under 25s.

Posing the question directly to Nusrat Ghani MP, Matt said:
“With free bus travel for the under 25s estimated at £1.4bn per year,why is the Minister opposing a scheme that could benefit up to 13 million young people saving them up to £1,000 each year at a time when they face significant financial hardship due to tuition fees and the high cost of living?”

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary immediately rose to her feet in response, calling the Labour initiative an 'intriguing' policy but not committing to a direct answer to the Shadow Minister's question.

Matt once again took to the Despatch Box and gave further challenge, especially in view of Ms Ghani placing the Conservatives' heavy reliance on the much-maligned alleged costings of £13bn. Matt's response was to cite the actual costings from University College London (a widely respected source of financial acumen across the transport industry), and where costs have been calculated as £1.4bn to provide free travel for under 25s.

Ms Ghani again responded, dodging the issue on costs and telling Mr Rodda to 'go back to School and add up your figures', and accusing the Opposition of 'not taking young people seriously', despite being directly advised by the Matt that the cost calculations from University College London to enable the provision of free travel for everyone in the UK being just £5bn.

The Government Minister's pithy response was that help with bus travel was already being given by the Government, with concessionary fares to the disabled and the elderly - and that “we are doing what we can”.

The session continued with questions being put to the Government from other Members across the House.

READING EAST MP Matt Rodda took a brief break from busy canvassing sessions around the town on National Tea Day on Saturday morning to chat with constituents over tea and cake on the matters which concern them the most.

Speaking at The Oasis, a public house-turned community hub in the Abbey Ward of the town, Matt said:
“It has been a really positive experience being out talking to residents, community leaders, local Councillors and representatives from church groups about issues which concern them.

“Reading East is a hugely diverse constituency, with a variety of neighbourhood concerns across all wards ranging from housing, crime and antisocial behaviour amongst others. Having a chat in relaxed surroundings over a cuppa at events such as this gathering on National Tea Day can help break down conversational barriers and promote community cohesion.”

READING EAST MP Matt Rodda officially opened the 'Stronger Together' Jobs Fair at the Penta Hotel in Reading this morning, Friday 20 April 2018.

The event, organised in collaboration with Matt's local constituency office leadership, Reading Voluntary Action, Reading JobCentre Plus and Reading UK CIC brought together educators, training organisations and employers under one roof to help provide a turnkey approach to equipping today's young people for the market place – whether they are looking for a change in career or in joining the jobs market by help in securing meaningful employment.

Cutting the ribbon at the event's official opening, Matt said:
“I am proud to be a part of this initiative, and hope that everyone who comes here today will be able leave with something positive; empowered in the knowledge that help is out there and available for them, and for events like 'Stronger Together' to be able to help them into training or employment.”

It is hoped that this initiative will complement the forthcoming Jobs Fair being held later this year at The Hexagon, and that this event will be able to take place on an annual basis.