Matt Rodda
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Labour MP for Reading Central. To contact me, please email [email protected] Posts by Matt and his team.
22/06/2026
https://www.reading.gov.uk/news/extreme-heat-warning-staying-safe-and-well-in-hot-weather/
Extreme heat warning - staying safe and well in hot weather Amber and red alerts for extreme heat are in place across Reading this week. Learn how hot weather can affect your health and wellbeing, and what you can do to reduce the risks.
Thanks to the volunteers and organisers for another wonderful East Reading Festival, and to all those who attended to make it such a successful day.
My weekly update including:
📱 Social media ban for under-16s
đź’§ Government action on Thames Water
đź“š Opening of the new central library
19/06/2026
I was so pleased to attend the Great Parliamentary Get Together event in memory of Jo Cox, inspired by her belief that we have more in common than that which divides us.
Find out more about the foundation’s work here: https://www.jocoxfoundation.org
I was pleased to attend the opening of Reading’s new wonderful central library. It’s an amazing facility, right in the town centre, easy to access, with a fantastic range of books and a wonderful children’s area.
The new library is another example of what a good active local council can do to help our community.
18/06/2026
The new Reading Central Library is now open!
The ribbon cutting took place this morning at the Civic Centre and the first customers have already been exploring the bright, new, modern space the size of five tennis courts.
The ground floor houses the new children's library with a forest theme which is more than twice as big as the previous space.
The teen area has age-appropriate books and graphic novels, shared study spaces and relaxed seating.
There is also a new community and events space called The Square which has workspaces and can be hired for events.
Upstairs, you’ll find the local history library, study space and the Holybrook Room which is used as a teaching and meeting space.
Browse our collection of thousands of fiction and non-fiction books or make use of our study spaces and electronic devices.
Come in and visit this exciting new space. We’re open from 9am Mondays, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays, and 10am Saturdays.
I thanked the Environment Secretary for her robust action to stand up for residents who are appalled by Thames Water.
The safety of children online is an issue I care deeply about. I am pleased that the Government has taken the bold decision to go further than any country by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give children their childhood back.
16/06/2026
I was pleased to be able to show my support for Stuart Stephens, whose 13-year-old son Olly was murdered in an attack linked to online bullying.
Stuart attended a meeting in Parliament about tackling online harms.
15/06/2026
https://keirstarmer.substack.com/p/giving-children-their-childhoods
Giving children their childhoods back Why we are banning social media for under 16s
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