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Matt welcomes initiative on Reading Festival cup recycling
READING EAST MP Matt Rodda welcomed a new recycling initiative which would see cups from this year’s Reading Festival recycled to make new products such as garden furniture, playmats and industrial-related products. Read full article here…
Read MoreReading East MP condemns Government underfunding as hospital staffing levels struggle in Winter Crisis
Following the appeal via social media by the Royal Berkshire Hospital for medical and nursing staff to turn up for extra shifts to help cope with the increased demand, Reading East MP Matt Rodda expressed his concerns over the growing strain on local healthcare provision. Read the full article here…
Read MoreBudget 2017: 4 views from Reading Labour
Hammond’s Crumbs from the Table by Councillor Ash Pearce The Budget – A lost opportunity to Improve Lives by Councillor Sarah Hacker A Let Down Budget – Not Even Meeting Low Expectations by Councillor Rachel Eden The Budget Verdict: Thanks for the ‘Millennial Railcard’ but Owning Our Own Home One Day Would…
Read MoreTransgender Day of Remembrance
So it’s Transgender Day of Remembrance today. It’s hard to put into words how this day makes me feel. I have a few issues with it, but it also stirs up many feelings. Remorse definitely that so many people have lost their lives and the number is growing rather than reducing. But also anger. That…
Read MoreNew Members Welcome Reception
It was fantastic to see a good mix of long time members and some new members chatting and getting to know each other at our new members welcome reception. The event kicked off with informal networking and the opportunity to speak with Matt Rodda MP, lead Councillors, some of our newly selected candidates for…
Read MoreLabour’s Sophia James Responds To Aspire Over The Central Club Site
Tonight, a petition on the Central Club and Black History Mural was presented to full Council. I wanted to take this opportunity to respond to many of the claims made over the summer about the Council’s intentions for the site. It’s time to have some clarity on this issue and to categorically say that…
Read MoreYouth Collaboration
Yesterday, RDLP’ Youth Officer, Ellie Emberson, met with Bracknell’s Youth Officer, Saffron Yau-Karim, for lunch to discuss working together to engage young people in the party.
Read MoreWorld Mental Health Day
It’s World Mental Health Day today and I’m sat in a rather lovely room in the Royal College of GPs with my union Unite. This weekend I was representing Reading in Düsseldorf and last night I was in a meeting as I will be tomorrow and Thursday. I choose to be this busy; being…
Read MoreWork Mental Health Day at Madejski Stadium
A number of local Labour Members attending a great event for mental health issues in young children today for World Mental Health Day. Along with other Reading Residents, the event sought to spread awareness about mental health issues among young children and adults at Madejski Stadium. Over 400 school children attended this event and everyone…
Read MoreWorld mental health day – yes it is political
Today is World Mental Health Day and later in the week I’ll be speaking at two community events to help break down the stigma associated with discussing our mental health. However we also need to make sure that we reflect this in the work place, including our public services. We all know that workers…
Read MoreGlaring Need for Council Housing
My first reaction to hearing that Theresa May plans to talk about needing to increase council house building in her speech today was a hollow laugh. Throughout the general election campaign housing and the glaring need for council housing came up in my home of Reading West and in the seat I was lucky to…
Read MoreTackling loneliness in Reading
Today the Red Cross issued a report praising Reading’s Health and Wellbeing board’s approach to tackling loneliness and social isolation. I’m proud that we’re prioritising this and of the work that we’re doing in Reading as a town to make our town a friendly place. There are all sorts of reasons people might be lonely…
Read MoreNational Community Wellbeing Board report back: Standing up for Local Health and Care Services
Today I attended the Local Government Association’s national board meeting on Health and Social Care. Along with 6 other Labour councillors from around the country my role is to put forward Labour’s agenda for health and social care on a cross-party board which is currently chaired by a Conservative. report back on LGA board meeting…
Read MoreCelebrating Older People’s Day
I was glad to speak to Thames Valley TV today about how we’ll be celebrating Older People’s Day in Reading. Older people make a tremendous contribution to the local community. We hold an annual event that aims to celebrate these achievements and offer residents a chance to try a variety of fun and interesting…
Read MoreConference 2017: Live blog
RDLP Conference 2017 Delegates, Louise Hill and Ellie Emberson will be posting updates here for the duration of the Conference.
Read MoreFrom A Levels to talking culture with the Vice-Chancellor
It’s A level results day and I still remember getting my results. They were handed out in sealed envelopes so you had the added stress of having to open the envelope to find out what they were. It felt like the rest of my life was in that envelope – of course it wasn’t and…
Read MoreGreen flags flying across the town
Today I received the news that two of Reading’s most beautiful and historically important parks had been awarded Green Flag and Green heritage Site awards. Forbury Gardens and Caversham Court Gardens have once again been awarded Green Flag status. This just confirms what I already knew and that is these parks are wonderful additions to…
Read MoreSpiritual Home For The Black Community In Reading
Reading Black Community It’s hard to walk or drive through Reading town centre without noticing that black history mural. It’s a strong symbol of the black community, our history and our contribution to this town. Last week, we sat in a community meeting and listened to passionate speeches about the mural and Central Club.…
Read MoreSpeaking with the community in Whitley
A few dedicated Labour members were once again out on Sunday afternoon speaking with residents about every issue they face as a citizen of our town. Conversations with residents ranged from discussing vacant council properties and drug dealing, to contemplating the pro’s and cons of buying a second hand car the perils of having a…
Read MoreA well deserved rest after a morning campaigning
Woodley and Whitegates Branch Labour Party were out in force today, joined by Matt Rodda MP! After a wet and windy morning campaigning the team enjoyed teas and coffees in Woodley town centre.
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