Plan B Restrictions
Last night, I voted for the restrictions that the Government has been advised to bring in to respond to the threat of Omicron. I did this reluctantly, but thought it best to set out why I did this, as I have had many emails from people both in support of the changes, and against. I […]
Human Rights Legislation
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Does my right hon. Friend agree that recent court judgments appear to have extended privacy law in this country against the provision of section 12 of the existing Human Rights Act and without the debate or approval of Parliament? Can he say whether his reforms will strengthen section 12 to […]
Reports of 10 Downing Street Christmas Party
I fully understand the anger felt by many at reports that a party was held in Downing Street in December last year and by the subsequent comments made by staff at a press conference rehearsal. I have received a number of emails from constituents about this and can appreciate their strength of feeling, particularly among […]
Ukraine
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) Does my hon. Friend agree that the UK has a special responsibility as a signatory of the Budapest memorandum, which guaranteed the territorial integrity of Ukraine? Indeed, Russia was also a signatory. Will the Government look to increase the support we give not just to the Ukrainian forces in the Donbass […]
Copyright (Rights and Remuneration of Musicians, Etc.) Bill
John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Let me start by congratulating the hon. Member for Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan) on introducing the Bill, which raises serious issues. Every time we speak in the Chamber, he points out that we do not just share a birthday but we were actually born on the same day. Kevin Brennan(Cardiff West) […]
Draft Customs Safety and Security Procedures (EU Exit) (No. 2) Regulations 2021
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) As my right hon. and learned Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury knows, I was an enthusiastic supporter of Britain regaining its independence by leaving the European Union. I am very much in favour of our taking advantage of the freedoms that gives us either to remove unnecessary bureaucratic […]
Health and Social Care
John Whittingdale (Maldon) I welcome today’s announcement and join the Minister in paying tribute to all those working for the NHS. The biggest challenge in mid-Essex, and I suspect nationally, is access to primary care, particularly managing to get through on the telephone line and, after that, obtaining an appointment. Can the Minister say any […]
Committee on Standards: Decision of the House
Wendy Chamberlain(North East Fife) (LD) I thank all Members for their presence today and all those who made contributions. Mr Speaker, I hope the tenor of the debate met your expectations. Let me be clear that my intention in applying for the debate was simply what it says in the motion: to make an initial […]
Tribute to Sir David Amess
Mr John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon I first met David Amess nearly 40 years ago, shortly after his historic election as MP for Basildon, the image of which, the picture of his smiling face, came to symbolise the Conservative victory under Margaret Thatcher’s leadership. He won because he embodied all that was best about Essex […]
Building Risk Review
I recently attended a meeting with the Commissioner and the Chief Fire Officer, Rick Hylton, to discuss the implications of the Building Risk Review, and what this will mean for buildings in Essex. I was informed of which buildings in the Essex constituencies will be impacted by this reform. Although I do not have any of these buildings in my constituency, […]