PIP Changes
Many people have got in touch about the Government’s changes to disability benefits. I am firmly of the belief that the Government has a duty to ensure the most vulnerable in our society are able to live with the dignity they deserve. Our welfare system should encourage and support people into work, while providing a […]
Legal Aid Agency: Cyber-security Incident
John Whittingdale challenges the Minister on politicising the cyber-attack, pressing for clarity on perpetrators and whether wider government security checks are underway to identify further vulnerabilities.
National Security Act 2023: Charges
John Whittingdale highlights threats to Iran International and BBC Persian journalists, urging Ministers to visit and reinforce that intimidation of media organisations and their families is unacceptable.
Data Bill: Recording Data on Sex and Gender
Many of my constituents have contacted me about recording data on sex and gender. Last year, the previous Government commissioned Professor Alice Sullivan to conduct an independent review of the accuracy of public data on biological sex and gender. Professor Sullivan was tasked with identifying obstacles to accurate data collection and research on sex and […]
Assisted Dying
I continue to receive a huge amount of correspondence on the Assisted Dying Bill currently before Parliament. This is a profoundly sensitive and deeply personal issue. I want to begin by acknowledging that many people support this bill out of compassion — often informed by painful personal experiences of watching loved ones suffer. I have […]
Supreme Court Ruling on the definition of a woman
Many of my constituents have got in touch to share their heartfelt concerns regarding the recent Supreme Court judgment in the case of For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers (UKSC 16). I fully recognise the impact that decisions like this can have on the daily lives of transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming […]
Avian Influenza
John Whittingdale warns avian influenza threatens the poultry industry and urges vaccination of seasonal turkeys, pressing the Minister to follow France’s approach to protect producers.
Wealth Taxes
A number of people have contacted me about wealth taxes. The UK does not have a comprehensive, single wealth tax, but it does have several taxes on assets and wealth. Notably, the Wealth Tax Commission, which has no connection or link to the Government, found in 2020 that, if considering Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duty, and Stamp Duty Land Tax, […]
Solar Radiation Modification (SRM)
A number of people have contacted me about solar radiation modification (SRM). Proposed SRM technologies would reflect some of the Sun’s energy that reaches Earth back into space. This could include adding aerosol particles into the atmosphere to reflect the Sun’s rays or spraying sea water to increase the reflectivity of clouds over the ocean. It is important to […]
Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan: 80th Anniversary
John Whittingdale raises concern over the Imperial War Museum’s decision to close its Victoria and George Cross gallery, pressing the Minister to encourage reconsideration of the move.