TWO SHADOW ministers took to the streets of Reading on Wednesday, August 17, as part of the Labour Party’s campaign in marginal seats.
With parliament in recess, shadow cabinet minister for mental health Rosena Allin-Khan and shadow minister for the armed forces Luke Pollard spent the morning canvassing in Whitley.
The pair were joined by local councillors and member of parliament for East Reading Matt Rodda.
Dr Allin-Khan was full of praise for the visit. She said: “Every time I come to Reading I’m just blown away by the incredible sense of community.
“It’s really obvious on the doorsteps and in the community itself how popular Matt Rodda is as an MP and it’s very much in Labour’s reach to win Reading West in the next general election.
“It’s just been really exciting to be campaigning today, spreading Labour’s positive messages and obviously being here with Matt who is an incredible advocate for Reading and a superb colleague in parliament.”
Campaigning doesn't stop, we have an election to win! We need @Keir_Starmer in Downing St!
It's the 4th leg of @LukePollard and I campaigning in marginal seats. This time, we're on our way to Reading to campaign with @MattRodda and local activists. pic.twitter.com/TsTY2OGFlX
— Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (@DrRosena) August 17, 2022
Mr Rodda was thrilled to host two esteemed party members, and said: “Like all local MPs, I think it’s so important to work hard for our communities.”
“It’s been wonderful to have visitors here today to show them Reading, and to also point out some of the issues our town faces, the pressure on public services, for example.”
The visit ended at the Whitley Community Development Association’s community cafe, where the guests spoke to residents and representatives from local organisations.
The Mayor of Reading Rachel Eden was also in attendance and was delighted to welcome Dr Allin-Khan and Mr Pollard.
Cllr Eden said of the visit: “It has been fantastic, we’re out and about in Whitley week-in, week-out, so it was lovely to welcome some really high profile, interested MPs who wanted to support the community, find out what’s going on, because Labour’s really listening to people, and we know how tough things are.
“I’m so proud to be able to bring people who are in the shadow cabinet, to Whitley, show them the Whitley Community Development Association, show them what our local NHS staff are doing, they’re doing amazing work.
“If we can showcase what’s best about our community then it’s just a brilliant opportunity for us to get us on the map.”
Reading Today had the opportunity to sit down with Dr Allin-Khan and Mr Rodda for exclusive interviews.
Both encouraged Reading residents to consider the policies put forward by the various parties ahead of the next general election.
The Labour Party has identified Reading West as a target seat, believing it can overturn the 4,117 votes by which Conservative member of parliament Alok Sharma edged Cllr Eden in the 2019 general election.
“I think it’s very important that everyone understands that they have a choice to make, that who they elect as their local representatives and who they put into Number Ten is up to them,” said Dr Allin-Khan.
“It is their choice. So please use your vote, if you have one, use it because you make the decisions.”
The shadow cabinet minister also highlighted key issues such as mental health and education issues, the cost of living crisis and NHS waiting times as vital reasons for the electorate to consider the offer of all political parties.
She urged voters to choose the party which will most positively impact their lives.
A key point of concern is the rising energy prices, with many households bracing themselves for a difficult winter.
People I met in Exeter this week were worried sick about their rising energy bills.
Labour would stop the energy price cap going up with a tax on oil and gas profits, saving you £1,000 this winter. pic.twitter.com/QQZ9K6TXCJ
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 17, 2022
Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to stop the energy cap rise through changes to the windfall tax on oil and gas companies.
Of the plans, Mr Rodda said: “We’re very concerned about the cost of living crisis and that’s why Keir announced the policy commitment [energy price cap] we’ve made, we want to stand up for people and help protect them from the worst of this awful crisis, which is the most dreadful thing that’s facing people.
“It’s difficult to imagine how difficult it’s going to be for people this winter unless [the] government is prepared to help and support people and to take action.
“[Our proposals] will make a real difference to people and we hope that the government will change and accept them.
“We ultimately need a Labour government to implement these, and other measures, to provide a fairer society to take pressure off people who are under terrible pressure at the moment.”
Mr Rodda was fresh off reselection as member of parliament for East Reading, meaning he will be the Labour candidate at the next general election.
Of the announcement, he said: “I’m honoured to be the Labour candidate for the Reading East constituency and it’s a pleasure to work hard for the local people.
“It was very kind of people to put their faith in me again. I’m flattered by the level of support and I’m looking forward to campaigning for Labour in this area.”
Speaking on the eve of A Level results day, Dr Allin-Khan offered words of advice for those receiving their A Level and GCSE grades this summer.
The NHS doctor almost had her own ambitions of practising medicine dashed when she received two Es and a U at A Level.
Through a combination of resilience, hard work and financial support, she bounced back, eventually graduating from the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine.
She said: “I perhaps have a slightly unusual story, but I really believe that where you start off in life doesn’t have to dictate where you end up.
“I remember feeling as though everything was lost when I was 18, but it isn’t and I’d say that obstacles are detours in the right direction.
“I think the important message that I would like [student] reading this to know is that Matt himself, all of the local councillors and the community are really proud of you.
“Students have gone through some incredibly tough times and have done the very best they can so we couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Dr Allin-Khan has been the member of parliament for Tooting since 2016, following Sadiq Khan’s appointment as Mayor of London.
She was able to draw similarities between her constituency and Reading, with both places prioritising the well-being of its young people through youth development initiatives.
“We have to understand that the definition of success doesn’t necessarily mean A*s in science and maths,” Dr Allin-Khan explained.
“The definition of success is being happy, feeling mentally well, being able to put food on the table for your family and put a roof over your family’s head.”
She has seen the rise of self-harm and eating disorders among young people in both her capacity as an A&E doctor and as shadow cabinet minister for mental health.
Dr Allin-Khan’s resolution is not to place undue pressure on young people, instead ensuring they understand they are loved and supported, regardless of academic performance.
She also believes extra-curricular endeavours should be celebrated, explaining that musical, artistic and sporting talent are just as important to reaching one’s potential and defining success as core academic subjects.
World-class musical talent will certainly be on show at this weekend’s Reading Festival, an event close to the town’s heart.
Mr Rodda will not be in attendance this year, but is excited for the positive impact it will have on local businesses.
He said: “It’s so important because the festival brings in an enormous amount of trade to local businesses, particularly taxi drivers, shops and a whole range of hard-working businesses who have had a very difficult time recently.
“I hope it will create a huge lift for small businesses across the town and I hope everyone who goes enjoys a wonderful and fantastic festival and is completely safe.”
