Blog.

Rebecca was elected in July 2024 as the Member of Parliament for South West Devon, one of just 26 newly elected Conservative MPs. Growing up locally, Rebecca is a passionate advocate in Westminster for this idyllic corner of Devon and its proud residents who also call it home. Her membership of Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces, Conservative Environment Network, Conservative Rural Forum and the Conservative Christian Fellowship reflect just some of her long-held interests which she actively campaigns for in Parliament.

She has also served as the Councillor for Plymstock Radford ward on Plymouth City Council since 2018, taking on senior roles which include Chair of the Planning Committee, Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities and Chair of the Commission on Violence against Women and Girls. Rebecca has also worked for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, leading their public engagement across the South West.

Rebecca is a Junior Whip and part of the Shadow Department for Work and Pensions team. As such, she recently served as Junior Minister in the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill Committee. She is also a member of Parliament’s Transport Committee and sat on the Renters’ Rights Bill Committee.

04/02/2026

“On Friday I will be speaking at Reclaim the Night, standing with survivors and campaigners against sexual violence and with every woman and girl who deserves to feel safe. That is why what unfolded in Parliament tonight matters so deeply.

For months, my Conservative colleagues and I have been demanding the government release files about Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as Ambassador to Washington. This matters because it is not about political point scoring – it is about protecting women and girls and ensuring those responsible for serious abuse and those who attempted to cover it up are held to account. We now know the Prime Minister was aware of Mandelson’s links to Epstein before giving him one of our most sensitive diplomatic roles. For the women and girls in South West Devon and for survivors everywhere, this is not abstract politics. It is a failure of leadership that puts trust and safety at risk.

Whilst I am relieved that the government will finally release the files, we must never forget the heinous crimes committed and those who attempted to cover them up. Women and girls deserve leaders who put their safety first and justice for victims must never be treated as optional.”

Rebecca Smith MP launches petition to enshrine veterans’ and armed forces rail discounts

Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, has today launched a petition calling on the Government to guarantee the Veterans Railcard and HM Forces Railcard in law, warning that without statutory protection these vital discounts could be removed in the future.

The petition follows a debate in Parliament on the Government’s Railways Bill, which will restructure and renationalise the railway network. While the Bill explicitly protects rail discounts for other passengers, it does not currently guarantee railcards for veterans or serving members of the armed forces on the face of the legislation.

The Veterans Railcard was introduced under the last Conservative government following work led by Johnny Mercer, former Minister for Defence People and Veterans. Launched in 2020, the scheme provides eligible UK veterans with one-third off most rail fares across Great Britain. The HM Forces Railcard offers similar discounts to serving personnel and their families.

During the Bill’s Committee stage, Conservative MPs tabled amendments and forced ten votes aimed at securing legal protection for both the Veterans Railcard and the HM Forces Railcard. These proposals were opposed and voted down by Labour MPs, leaving the future of the railcards dependent on Government assurances rather than statute.

Speaking after the vote, Miss Smith said:

“When it comes to something as important as support for veterans and serving personnel, words aren’t enough. If the Government believes that veterans and our Armed Forces matter, they should do the right thing and support them in this small but significant way.”

Speaking of the launch of her petition Miss. Smith also said:

 “This petition is about urging the Government to protect these benefits for the long term and recognising the service and sacrifice of the armed forces community.”

Miss. Smith is urging constituents and members of the public to sign the petition to show their support for keeping these vital railcards protected in legislation as the Railways Bill continues its passage through Parliament. The link to the petition can be found here:

ENDS

27/01/2026

Rebecca Smith MP calls for urgent action after further storm damage at Dawlish

Rebecca Smith MP for South West Devon, has today raised urgent concerns following further storm damage at Dawlish over the weekend, after Storm Ingrid caused the sea wall to collapse in two new locations over the weekend.

With Storm Chandra bringing further severe weather this week, Miss. Smith warned that the vulnerability of the main rail line connecting Devon and Cornwall to the rest of the country has once again been laid bare.  

“This line is not a luxury but a necessity for hundreds of thousands of people, supporting jobs, tourism, education and access to essential services across the South West” said Miss. Smith.

Following the devastating storms of 2014, the South West Rail Resilience Programme was established to protect this vital route. Under the previous Conservative government, £165 million was invested to deliver the first four stages of the programme, including rebuilding the sea wall at Dawlish and strengthening cliff defences, significantly improving the resilience of the line.

However, the final and most complex phase of the scheme has now been paused, leaving critical sections of the route without long-term protection at a time when extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe.

Raising the issue in the House of Commons, Miss. Smith asked the Chancellor and Treasury Ministers whether contingency funding would be guaranteed for urgent and unplanned resilience works, particularly given concerns about the absence of a Treasury emergency reserve. In response, the Minister pointed to departmental contingency planning but did not provide a clear guarantee that emergency funding would be available when required.

Speaking after her question, Miss. Smith said:

“This railway is a lifeline for Devon and Cornwall. The previous government recognised that and invested £165 million to strengthen and protect it. 

Pausing the final phase of resilience works is now having real-world consequences. Each storm brings disruption, uncertainty and economic damage to our communities. 

When extreme weather strikes, assurances about contingency planning are not enough. We need clear commitments to complete the resilience programme in full and guarantee funding for urgent works when they are needed.” 

Miss. Smith is calling on the Government to urgently commit to completing the final phase of the Dawlish rail resilience scheme and provide clarity on emergency funding arrangements to ensure the South West is not repeatedly cut off during severe weather.

ENDS

Rebecca Smith MP meets pioneering local apprentice at Parliament reception for National Apprenticeship Week

Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, has marked National Apprenticeship Week by meeting Sophia, a local constituent from Yelverton, at the ADS Apprenticeships Reception in Parliament, celebrating the role apprenticeships play in opening doors to skilled careers.

Sophia works for Collins Aerospace and made history as the first female engineering apprentice at the company. She attended Ivybridge Community College and is now building a successful career in engineering through the apprenticeship route.

Miss. Smith praised Sophia’s achievements as a powerful example of how apprenticeships can transform lives while helping businesses access the skilled workforce they need.

Miss. Smith said:

“It was a real pleasure to meet Sophia in Parliament and to hear first-hand about her journey into engineering. As the first female apprentice in her field at Collins Aerospace, she is a fantastic role model for young people across our area.

“Her story shows exactly why apprenticeships matter – they give people the chance to earn, learn and succeed, while providing businesses with the skilled talent they need to grow.”

Apprenticeships are a vital pathway into skilled employment, particularly in sectors such as engineering and aerospace. However, the number of new apprenticeship starts remains below previous levels, highlighting the need for greater investment and reform.

Miss. Smith reaffirmed that the Conservatives are committed to expanding high-quality, employer-led apprenticeships, increasing investment and ensuring training aligns with the needs of businesses.

In her closing remarks, Miss. Smith urged local people and businesses to take part in a skills and apprenticeships survey she has launched to inform her work in Parliament.

“Backing skills is central to the Conservative’s plan for growth. That’s why I want to hear directly from apprentices, employers and training providers through my local apprenticeships survey. Your views will help me continue to champion high-quality apprenticeships for our area and make the strongest possible case for skills-led growth in Parliament.”

Miss. Smith thanked ADS for hosting the reception and highlighted the importance of celebrating local success stories like Sophia’s during National Apprenticeship Week. She also encouraged apprentices, employers and training providers across the constituency to complete her apprenticeships survey, which can be filled out here: www.rebecca-smith.org.uk/news/rebecca-launches-survey-national-apprenticeship-week.