Matt Rodda MP

I spoke about the importance of community based arts organisations and arts education in schools, as well as my campaign to turn Reading Gaol into an arts and heritage hub.

The Labour Government is freezing rail fares for the first time in 30 years, while Great British Railways will simplify ticketing and payment options to improve journeys for rail users.

Please find out more about how you can help at:
ReadiFood: fcg.org.uk/readifood/
New Beginnings: www.newbeginningsreading.org

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We’ve been working with the Co-op to collect food to support the work of ReadiFood and New Beginnings Reading, two fantastic local organisations helping those facing financial hardship. 

Thanks to everyone who organised the event, and the large number of shoppers who donated food.
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Please keep showing all our local small and independent businesses your support during the festive season and beyond. 🧵3/3

Small businesses play a vital role in our local communities, and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote and to help me celebrate the wonderful businesses we have in Reading. 🧵2/3

I would like to congratulate the winners of my Reading Central Small Business competition - Madoo, Walk Works, Kamal’s Kitchen, Nylon Hair Artists, The Greyfriar and Eclectic Games. 🧵1/3

My weekly update including:

🏬 Small Business Saturday
🚃 Promoting public transport
🌆 Constituency work

New jobs and housing are being created in Reading due to the Elizabeth Line, and more growth could come from improving services to Oxfordshire. I spoke about this during a recent debate in Parliament.

Thanks to ITV Meridian for covering this important issue. I have been calling for the Home Office to look into this case.

Our 2025 Toys and Teens Christmas Gift Appeal launched today! Find all the information you need to support us here:
www.readingfamilyaid.org/toys-teens-a...

The expansion of the Labour Government’s free breakfast club programme is great for kids and parents, but also for employers and the economy; providing children with a healthy start to the day, and easing parents' commute in the morning.

My weekly update including:
💷 Supporting the Budget
📚 Visit to Reading School
🚨 Helping tackle anti-social behaviour

Many thanks to Hilary Benn MP, my colleague Liv Bailey MP for Reading West, our hard working councillors and all our amazing volunteers for your help with a wonderful day of campaigning.

Great to be joined today by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, and to talk with residents about the positive news from this week’s budget.

For too long, Reading missed out on the funding our services needed.

Labour is now fixing the broken system and putting local need at the heart of council funding.

A real chance to turn things around for our area — and I’ll be fighting to make sure we get our fair share.

The Labour Government has delivered the first rail fare freeze in 30 years, easing the cost of living for commuters across Reading. This historic intervention will keep household costs down and drive economic growth.

Children growing up in our country deserve the best start in life – nothing less.

Today’s Budget means we will deliver the largest reduction in child poverty in a single Parliament.

I would also like to offer my support to all of Olly's family and friends and I would like to thank the community for their help and support for the charity.

Find out more here:
readingamnesty.art/ollyswork/

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It is impossible to imagine what Stuart and Amanda have been through since Olly was murdered when he was just 13 years old and there was incredible support for them at the meeting, to launch Olly's Work, which was held at St Barnabus Church in Emmer Green. 🧵3/4

I would like to pay tribute to Stuart and Amanda for campaigning to tackle knife crime and social media bullying. It is good to see that the charity will play an important role in taking this forward. 🧵2/4

It was a privilege to be able to show my support for Olly Stephens' parents when they launched the charity Olly's Work. 🧵1/4

The PM was also welcomed to Reading by Cllr Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council, and Cllr Rachel Eden, Lead Member for Education.

I was proud to welcome the Prime Minister to Reading today.

Keir Starmer announced that half a million more children will benefit from Best Start free breakfast clubs from April, during a visit to a breakfast club at St Anne's Primary School in Caversham.

During a debate in Parliament I raised the importance of working with our international partners to protect our environment, and tackle the climate crisis.

I was very pleased to meet with representatives from the Co-op, Mitie, and USDAW to discuss the steps they are taking to help tackle shoplifting and improve the safety of shop workers

I would like to thank all retail employees, particularly as we head into December, for the fantastic job they do.

New campaign launches to increase food waste recycling in Reading | Reading Borough Council News Campaign urges residents to ensure they use their weekly food waste collections Residents to receive bin sticker, roll of caddy liners and leaflet over the next month All food waste can be recycled, f...

media.reading.gov.uk/news/new-cam...