Rob Wilson, MP for Reading East, has said he is “disappointed” that Reading has not been given city status as a part of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The disappointing result follows the announcement made by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. However, Rob has said he remains undeterred in pushing Reading as the economic and cultural hub for the Thames Valley.
Reading, the second largest urban area in the UK without city status, has been unsuccessful in two previous attempts to become a city, one in 2000 and another 2002.
Despite its failure to secure city status, Rob is continuing to campaign for other great improvements for Reading. He is spearheading campaigns to get Reading a direct rail link to London Heathrow Airport and Ultrafast Broadband – key economic assets to help Reading continue to weather the financial crisis as the region’s most business friendly environment. He has also been campaigning to secure a first-class technical school in Reading - the University Technical College, which is set to become reality.
Commenting on the city status decision Rob said: -
“This news will come as disappointment to the people of Reading and all those who have worked on the bid. Reading is a city in all but name and I will continue to campaign for the best investments to deliver on a vision for our continued prominence as the economic powerhouse of the Thames Valley.
“Reading has missed out on city status twice before so I am sure it will show its usual resilience, by dusting itself off and carrying on as usual.”