David Reed MP

This week’s Journal column reflects on last week’s King’s Speech, the direction the Government is taking, and the continuing lack of clarity on the issues that matter most to people here in .

You can read it here 👇

OPINION: The pageantry of the State Opening couldn't hide Labour's problems Last week saw the State Opening of Parliament, this is where the King addresses both Houses and sets out the government's legislative agenda…

The Prime Minister announced in March that we had legal justification to board Russian shadow fleet vessels in 🇬🇧 waters.

Now the Minister for the Armed Forces says we don’t.

Russia is laughing at our paralysis.

Rather than focusing on delivering on Defence, in the national interest, Labour have descended into factional infighting and open warfare on Starmer’s leadership.

Britain and our Armed Forces deserve better.

Here’s my comment in the Daily Mail today:

Last week I visited Mill Water School, a specialist SEND school in the constituency, and met with headteacher Sarah, staff and students.

It was great to see the work being done to support young people at the school and to hear more about the recently completed new classroom and shared space.

I’m pleased the new building will increase teaching capacity, as I know how much families value strong SEND provision and how important additional places are locally.

The new space has also been designed to support children and families beyond the school day, including use during holidays.

Thank you to Sarah and the whole team for taking the time to show me around and talk through their work.

Proud to attend the Paddle Out Protest on Saturday and thanks to all the organisers and protestors.

New legislation is planned to bring our water companies to heel, and I look forward to continuing to make our voices heard and strengthening the law wherever possible.

VICTORY: After months of campaigning we’ve forced Rachel Reeves to scrap her planned hike in fuel duty.

This is a huge victory for drivers, who be saved from paying more at the pump ⬇️

To the individual who vandalised my constituency office in Exmouth by graffitiing “F*** Tories”: perhaps next time you might take a moment to read the sign clearly stating that the premises are under constant surveillance.

If you believe that this kind of behaviour will intimidate me or my staff, you are sorely mistaken. Acts like this do not weaken democracy- they only demonstrate a contempt for the civilised values that underpin it.

You will be identified, and I will ensure you face the full legal consequences of your actions.
My sincere thanks to Devon and Cornwall Police for their prompt and professional response to this matter.

It was a real pleasure to attend the 40th Birthday celebration of Topsham Museum today and to join trustees, volunteers, and local people in marking this important milestone.

For four decades, Topsham Museum has played a vital role in preserving and sharing the history of our town. It is a much-loved community asset, made possible by the dedication and hard work of volunteers past and present who care deeply about Topsham and its heritage.

I know how important the museum is to our community, and I will continue working closely with the trustees and Exeter City Council to help ensure this valued asset can reopen and thrive once again for future generations to enjoy.

Thank you to everyone involved in today’s celebrations, and congratulations on 40 wonderful years of Topsham Museum.

Concerned about SEND provision?

The Government is currently consulting on proposals to reform the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. I recognise that any changes to SEND provision will have a significant impact not only on children and families across the constituency, but also on teachers, schools, and local authorities.

It is therefore vital that the Government hears from as many stakeholders as possible before any decisions are made.

The consultation closes on Monday 18th May.

To share your views, you can respond via email: [email protected] or by filling out the online form 👇

SEND reform: putting children and young people first - Department for Education - Citizen Space Find and participate in consultations run by the Department for Education

Today’s King’s Speech was an opportunity for Labour to rethink what is clearly not working in Britain. Instead, it felt like more of the same.

No serious plan to cut the welfare bill. No support for Defence. No willingness to rethink expensive net zero policies that are driving up energy costs. No action to ease the pressure on employers or back economic growth.

Why? Because Labour’s left wing simply will not allow it.

The Conservatives are arguing for a different approach. One built around security, responsibility, lower costs and backing people who work hard and play by the rules.

🇬🇧: Secure borders and tougher action on illegal immigration, including leaving the ECHR and repealing the Human Rights Act so Britain can properly remove those with no right to be here.

⚡️: Affordable energy by scrapping green levies, expanding North Sea oil and gas, and focusing on energy security instead of ideological targets.

🚓: Safer streets with 10,000 more police officers, tougher sentencing and stronger stop and search powers to tackle knife crime and repeat offenders.

🪖: Serious investment in defence and Britain’s manufacturing base through a Sovereign Defence Fund to strengthen our armed forces and support skilled jobs here at home.

🏡: A welfare system that supports those who truly need help, while helping more people back into work through reform and proper face to face assessments, addressing our ballooning welfare bill.

📚: Support for younger people and working families by cutting red tape, scrapping the extra 3% interest on Plan 2 student loans and helping people get onto the housing ladder.

This is about the kind of country we want Britain to be: secure borders, safer streets, affordable energy and a government focused on delivering the basics properly.

These are the issues people across Exmouth and Exeter East raise with me every single day. If you would like to read our policy proposals in full, you can do so here: https://www.conservatives.com/alternative-kings-speech