Free school meals
I do not dismiss the importance of ensuring that no child goes hungry. The vote last night was after a debate about how this can be achieved rather than whether it should be done at all. Opening schools to feed children year round is not a sensible option and it is right that parents […]
Fisheries Bill
A number of constituents contacted me about a note on the Fisheries Bill. The disagreements were over parliamentary process rather than disagreement about the importance of sustainable fishing. Officials advised that the opposition amendment on large vessels was unnecessary. The Bill is deliberately a framework Bill to enable the Government to take powers that would enable […]
Draft Communications Act (e-Commerce) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020
The Minister for Media and Data (Mr John Whittingdale) I beg to move, That the Committee has considered the draft Communications Act (e-Commerce) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Gray, and to welcome my colleagues who are here in quality, if not in quantity. These regulations were […]
Cultural recovery fund grants for Maldon
It is fantastic that Maldon District Council has been awarded £40,000 from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage with a further £40,000 going to help restore St Mary’s Church, Mundon. We are very lucky to have wonderful heritage assets in the District and this money will help us get through the current challenges and […]
Visit to P & S Automation Ltd
John Whittingdale visited P & S Automation Ltd in West Station Industrial Estate, Maldon. P & S Automation supply instrumentation, control and automation systems specialising in marine vessels. John saw two working systems for HMS Scott which will shortly be fitted in Falmouth. John’s visit was at the start of Maritime UK Week which highlights […]
Food Standards under future trade deals
I agree that we must make sure we do not allow trade deals to undermine our environmental and animal welfare standards. I know that the overwhelming majority of my colleagues support this, as does the Government as it was a commitment in the Conservative manifesto at the General Election last year. The amendment sounds entirely […]
MPs pay
I firmly agree with those who say that in the middle of a pandemic, when thousands are losing their jobs and seeing their income cut that it is entirely inappropriate for Members of Parliament to receive a pay rise. Neither the Government nor Members of Parliament set either the level of parliamentary salaries or the […]
Coronavirus response
The Government’s approach for preventing a comprehensive national lockdown is to work closely with local authorities to enact and enforce local restrictions if an increase in cases indicates that to be the best cause of action. While relaxations of restrictions over recent months have been most welcome, it is disappointing that despite the enormous sacrifices […]
BBC regional coverage
Grahame Morris Labour, Easington What recent discussions he has had with Ofcom on the BBC’s compliance with its statutory duties on local and regional news and political coverage for the English regions. Link to this speechIn context Individually Tweet Share (Citation: HC Deb, 24 September 2020, c1117) John Whittingdale Minister of State The BBC charter requires the BBC to serve audiences across […]
Local newspapers
Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) (Lab) What steps his Department is taking to support local, independent newspapers during the covid-19 outbreak. (906489) The Minister for Media and Data (Mr John Whittingdale) The Government recognise the vital importance of local and regional newspapers, particularly during this pandemic. That is why we designated journalists as key workers […]