This is the first in what I hope will become a series of updates on my work in our community and in Parliament. It will be a chance for constituents to learn more about my work and to hold me to account and ensure Reading East gets the representation it deserves.

Thank you

I want to thank local residents for supporting in the recent General Election, it is an honour and a huge privilege to represent local people in Parliament.

Brexit

I am opposed to a Brexit deal that does not provide guarantees for workers rights, environmental protection and consumer rights. I have been campaigning for these rights for some time and when the Withdrawal Agreement Bill came forward for its second reading, I voted to protect those rights.

I am deeply concerned that Government have removed its commitment to protect worker’s rights and refugee children, as well as other benefits of EU membership particularly the Eramus scheme which will come to and end when we leave.

Brexit will remain a very serious issue which won’t end when we leave on January 31st. I’m concerned that the Government has allowed just one year for further negotiations about a future trading relationship once we leave the EU at the end of the month

I believe that it could be very difficult to negotiate a future relationship in just one year, when the average trade deal takes seen years. And, I am concerned that as a result we could crash out with no deal at the end of 2020.

I will be doing all I can in Parliament to stand up for Reading and Woodley  to oppose this disastrous prospect for our community and the country as a whole.

Reading Gaol

The news that Reading Borough Council had agreed to bid for Reading Gaol to turn it into an arts and heritage hub was an important boost for the campaign to preserve this historical site. The gaol is unique and is one of Reading’s most historic buildings. I believe it is a world heritage site and that it should be preserved for local people and visitors as an arts and heritage hub.

I am proud to have campaigned to save the gaol and I am pleased that the council has listened to the campaign I have run with residents. The fact that 8,000 people signed the petition to save the gaol shows the enormous strength of support for saving this historic site.

Going forward, I am arranging a meeting with the Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, where I will continue to make the case for the Gaol site to be returned to the people of Reading. I will also bring this matter up in Parliament if I am given the chance. I welcome constituents continuing to get in touch with me with their views on this.

Palmer Park

I was delighted to join volunteers and councillors to plant hundreds of new saplings in Palmer Park.

Over the past decade, the council has planted more than 2,000 new trees across the borough, which is a welcome step in tackling climate change and making our town greener and cleaner.

During the General Election, I made it clear that tackling to climate crisis was a top priority for me, and that includes working in Reading to make a difference as well as Parliament.

On your side in Reading East

If you would like to contact me, please email me at matt@mattrodda.net

Stay updated by following me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Best wishes,

Matt Rodda

MP for Reading East