Planning Reform

A number of constituents have contacted me about the forthcoming planning reforms and the need to ensure they deliver for both people and wildlife. As someone with a passion for nature, I fully recognise the importance of tackling the nature crisis while also supporting the vital need for new infrastructure, housing, and clean energy. I […]
Sir John Whittingdale speaks in debate on Detained British Nationals Abroad

John Whittingdale Conservative, Maldon I congratulate my right hon. Friend Sir Iain Duncan Smith on securing the debate, and on the tremendous amount of work that he has done in this area. It is also a pleasure to follow Emily Thornberry, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, which I have been delighted to join as a new member in […]
Sir John Whittingdale put question to Foreign Office Minister on Russian election interference in Georgia

Stephen Gethins Scottish National Party, Arbroath and Broughty Ferry (Urgent question): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Georgia. Catherine West Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. […]
Sir John Whittingdale puts question to Defence Minister on the Chagos Islands

James Cartlidge Shadow Secretary of State for Defence (Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the impact of the Government’s Chagos negotiations on the UK-US defence relationship. Luke Pollard The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on securing this urgent […]
Third Party Data Gathering Measure

A number of constituents have contacted me about the third-party data-gathering measure. Fraud is a growing problem across the economy, accounting for over 40 per cent of all crime, and the welfare system is not immune to this. Although down by 10 per cent in 2022-23, £8.3 billion was still overpaid due to fraud and error […]
Assisted Dying Bill

Sir John explains his vote on the Assisted Dying Bill
Sir John Whittingdale MP puts question to the Culture Secretary

John Whittingdale Conservative, Maldon May I commend the report from the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee, entitled “The future of news”? It highlights the threat from the unauthorised use of news content to train AI models. Will the Secretary of State consider, as a matter of urgency, strengthening the legislation in this area, and consider the introduction of a licensing […]
Electricity Grid Upgrades Debate

Sir John warns offshore grid proposals could affect local communities, threatening countryside, livelihoods and property.
Recent Update

St Peter’s Hospital In recent weeks, I and Dame Priti Patel, MP for Witham, have had two meetings in connection with the Mid and South Essex ICB proposals for the future provision of services at St Peter’s Hospital, Maldon. On 14th October, Dame Priti and I met Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health, […]
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation

Nusrat Ghani Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Ways and Means Before the debate begins, I remind the House of the application of the sub judice rule. It is extremely important that we respect the function of the courts. It is also important that we are able to discuss important matters. In civil cases, which are the […]