BBC funding debate
John Whittingdale stood in Parliament today, in the BBC funding debate to question the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorries, about the future funding model of the BBC. This follows the statement made by the Government, announcing that the TV license fee is being frozen for the next two years, […]
Nuclear Energy Bill, Bradwell B Nuclear Power Station.
I stood in Parliament yesterday to speak about my support for the possibility of building a new nuclear power station in Bradwell on Sea, in my constituency. I remain a strong supporter of nuclear power, and the fact that Bradwell successfully hosted a nuclear power station for 40 years—Bradwell A—from which I saw the benefits […]
Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill
Mr John Whittingdale(Maldon) (Con) I do not want to detain the House for too long. However, I want to say a few words as the Member of Parliament for Maldon, which contains Bradwell-on-Sea. Bradwell had been the home of a nuclear power station since the early 1960s, and it safely generated power for nearly 40 […]
Speech on Russia’s Grand Strategy
On the 6th January I made a speech in Parliament, on Russia’s Grand Strategy, and the suppression of human rights under the Putin regime. I talk about the suppression of media freedom, as well as the strategy towards Russia’s neighbours – in particular, Ukraine. I have made it clear to the Government that we need […]
December update
I hope all of my constituents had a Happy Christmas and New Year. I know for many, this past year was difficult in many ways. However, I hope that the continuation of our remarkable vaccination programme, with a particular focus on booster jabs- will see us out of this pandemic for good. I hope that […]
Russia’s grand strategy
Mr John Whittingdale(Maldon) (Con) I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich and North Essex (Sir Bernard Jenkin) on obtaining this timely debate on this extremely important subject. I want to start by making it clear, as one or two others have done, that we have no quarrel with the Russian people. Indeed, we […]
Russia
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) My right hon. Friend has talked about massive consequences, including co-ordinated sanctions, should there be further Russian military incursions into Ukraine. Will she listen to the call of the Ukrainian ambassador that the behaviour of Russia, which she outlined in her statement, merits taking further measures now? Will she consider […]
Levelling-up Agenda. Local and Regional Media
Mr John Whittingdale(Maldon) (Con) Does my right hon. Friend agree that an important part of levelling up is to strengthen local and regional media? They are under terrific pressure at the moment, yet do an important job in holding local institutions to account. Will she look at other ways in which we might do that? […]
Illegal Hare Coursing
I am pleased that the Government is introducing new legislation to crack down on illegal hare coursing. Hare coursing is an illegal activity – where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares – and is a serious problem in some rural areas. Not only does hare coursing involve cruelty to wild animals, but it is also associated with a […]
Royal Mail Delays – Update
I am fully aware that there have been ongoing issues with the Royal Mail sorting centre in Chelmsford, which has been affecting numerous postcodes in the surrounding area, including my constituency. This has led to many of my constituents having delayed or missing deliveries. I completely understand the frustration of my constituents, especially given the importance of receiving your promptly at this time of year. Since these issues with the […]