Tier 4 Statement
I know how distressing it was for people in Maldon and Chelmsford to hear that new Tier 4 restrictions were being imposed on London and the Home Counties from Sunday morning. In addition, the withdrawal of the five day relaxation for Christmas is another huge blow to families, many of whom have already been unable […]
John Interviewed on the Future of UK Media
John was recently interviewed by Amal Rajan at the Radio Academy Festival for the BBC Radio 4’s The Media Show. In a wide-ranging interview, John was asked about his thoughts on the future of public broadcasting and the licence fee, the growing influence of podcasts and the role of big tech platforms in British media. […]
Regional Test Site Opens in Sandon
John was delighted to learn this week that the Department for Health and Social Care are to open an NHS Regional Test Site in December at Sandon Park and Ride as part of its Test and Trace service. The site is a drive-through site and will offer both assisted and self-administered tests. Welcoming the news, John commented “NHS […]
Maldon Moves Into Tier 3
The decision to place most of Essex in Tier 3 is a huge disappointment but sadly was unavoidable. All of us had hoped that when our Tier 2 status was due to be reviewed on 16th December, it would be possible to relax the restrictions. However, the figures that I saw at an emergency meeting […]
Data Protection: GDPR and Other EU Regulations
Martyn Day What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the retention of (a) the GDPR and (b) other EU regulations on data protection after the transition period. Mr John Whittingdale The general data protection regulation regime will be retained in domestic law after the transition period through the European Union (Withdrawal) Act […]
Many Happy (Rovers) Returns!
As part of his ministerial duties, John responded on behalf of the government to a recent adjournment debate in the House of Commons to mark the 60th birthday of the nation’s favourite soap opera, Coronation Street. Click here to see the speech. Happy birthday, Corrie!
December Covid Update
I have been contacted by a large number of constituents about the change in lockdown arrangements after 2 December. Many are understandably concerned about what the new tier system will mean for their business or if they will now be able to visit a loved one at a care home, whilst some remain sceptical about the need for […]
Coronation Street: 60th Anniversary
The Minister for Media and Data (Mr John Whittingdale) I am not sure I can claim that title, particularly having listened to the contributions this evening. I would like to start by congratulating the hon. Member for Batley and Spen (Tracy Brabin) on obtaining the debate and managing to unite the House. Members […]
Draft Data Protection Privacy and electronic communications (amendment etc.) (EU exit) regulations 2020
The Minister for Media and Data (Mr John Whittingdale) I beg to move, That the Cttee has considered the draft Data Protection Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship this afternoon, Mr McCabe. The statutory instrument was laid before both Houses on […]
Draft Audiovisual Media Services (Amendment) (Eu Exit) Regulations 2020
The Minister for Media and Data (Mr John Whittingdale) I beg to move, that the Committee has considered the draft Audiovisual Media Services (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Stringer, and I welcome my colleagues. The statutory instrument, which was laid in both Houses on […]