David Reed
Conservative · Exmouth and Exeter East
PARTIAL DATADavid Reed is the Conservative MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, first elected in 2024. As an opposition MP, they are expected to vote against the government on most whipped divisions.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
National Security and Defence · Veterans Affairs · Cybersecurity and Technology · Local Planning and Development · Middle East Policy
Positions
Defence Procurement — Supports maintaining sovereign jet training capabilities and replacing Hawk T1 fleet
strong
Cybersecurity — Advocates updating Computer Misuse Act 1990 to enable AI tools for cybersecurity professionals
strong
Veterans Rights — Opposes repeal of Northern Ireland Troubles Act sections affecting veterans
moderate
Criminal Justice — Opposes Labour's plans to reduce jury trials
moderate
Local Planning — Against developments that fail to deliver necessary infrastructure
moderate
China Relations — Prioritises national security considerations in Chinese embassy approval
moderate
UNRWA Funding — Supports conditional restoration of funding with safeguards against incitement
moderate
International Law — Believes international law must adapt to protect national security interests
weak
Reasoning Style
Pragmatic and security-focused, drawing on military experience to frame arguments around national security and practical implementation. Combines constituency advocacy with broader policy concerns, often emphasising the need for proper planning and mitigation measures.
Background
David Reed is a former Royal Marine who entered Parliament in 2024 as one of four ex-Marines elected that year. His military background appears to inform his focus on defence, national security, and veterans' issues.