Thames Valley Assembly’s Parliamentary Question Time 

Our Parliamentary Question Time (PQT) has quickly established itself as one of the Chamber’s premier political engagement forums.  Providing an opportunity for our members to engage with their Parliamentarians, political leaders, and key representatives on what is important for the future competitiveness and well-being of the Thames Valley.

The PQT is brought to you through the work of the Thames Valley Assembly (TVA), and our partnership with our hosts, the University of Reading. which brings a step change in representing the voice of business across the Thames Valley and helps future-proof the competitive edge of our business community at a time of significant political and technological change. The event will be of interest to all our members, from high-growth spinouts, SMEs, and international corporates whose headquarters are in the region.

Following the format of the BBC’s Question Time, we will consider the live topics and policy issues impacting business and being discussed in Whitehall and the ‘town halls’ across the region. This coming November we can anticipate topics including reflection on what we hope is a bold and business friendly Budget (28th October), and questions on Heathrow expansion; Local Government Review and the future of a Mayoral Authority for the Thames Valley; our new Prime Minister and his reshaping of policy, such as national economic priorities for productivity growth and investment; our nation ten years’ on since BREXIT; business confidence; the impact of continued economic uncertainty as a result of global conflicts; and skills retention and talent development.

Our previous PQTs have welcomed politicians from central and local government, including events with Yuan Yang, MP and Jack Rankin, MP; Lord David Blunkett and Baroness Theresa May, and Peter Swallow, MP and Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire CC.   

Speakers

• Josh Reynolds, Liberal Democrat MP, Maidenhead
• Matthew Barber, Police Commissioner for the Thames Valley
• James Beaver, University of Reading Students’ Union President

Full panel to be confirmed.

Format

• Introduction by Paul Britton, CEO, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Welcome from our TVA Chair followed by panel discussion
• Q&A with attendees

This event is open to Thames Valley Assembly, Business Alliance and Lead members only.  

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Customer Services in the first instance.