Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP

Member of Parliament for Maldon

Sir John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon, meets with members of the Maldon and Southminster NFU

Sir John Whittingdale attended a breakfast meeting with members of the Maldon and Southminster Branch of the National Farmers Union (NFU) at the Bell in Purleigh. Matters discussed at the meeting included the new Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme, the Essex Coast Recreation Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy, sea defences, food security, and the possibility of […]

February and March Update

The Future of St Peter’s Hospital in Maldon I know that many local residents will want an update on what I’m doing to oppose the proposed closure of St Peter’s Hospital in Maldon and the NHS’ plans to relocate services elsewhere. The Public Meeting I am very much aware of the enormous and very understandable […]

Nagorno-Karabakh: Armenian Refugees

Julie Elliott Labour, Sunderland Central Order. I remind hon. Members to bob even if they have put in to speak, so that I am clear on who wants to speak. John Whittingdale Conservative, Maldon Thank you, Ms Elliott. I begin by congratulating Carol Monaghan on obtaining the debate. She was a valuable member of the delegation from the British […]

Prohibition of Catapults

A number of constituents have been contacting me about catapults and their wish for them to be excluded as prohibited weapons so as to prevent animal suffering.  This is a disturbing and growing phenomenon. In addition to causing animal suffering, it is, as we now know, an indicator of what those perpetrators may go on […]

Topical Questions: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 

John Whittingdale Conservative, Maldon Is my right hon. Friend aware that the inflexibility, bureaucracy and cost of the seasonal poultry workers scheme make it prohibitive for businesses such as Kelly Turkeys in my constituency to hire labour for just a few weeks in the run-up to Christmas? Will he urge the Home Office to include it within the existing seasonal […]

Pigs confined in metal cages – British Farming

Many of my constituents have contacted me regarding the confinement of pigs in metal cages on British farms. The UK has a significant outdoor pig sector with 40% of the national sow breeding herd farrowing freely on outdoor units with no option for confinement. Defra’s 2018 statutory welfare code of practice for pigs confirms that […]