Sentient animals
Some voices have suggested that the vote last week on New Clause 30 of the EU Withdrawal Bill somehow signalled a weakening in the protection of animals. That is plain wrong. Voting against the amendment was not a vote against the idea that animals are sentient and feel pain. That is a ridiculous misconception. Ministers […]
Wibblers in the House of Commons
John Whittingdale welcomed Phil and Abby Wilcox, proprietors of Wibblers Brewery in Southminster to the House of Commons to celebrate their best-selling Apprentice ale, being guest beer in the Strangers Bar of the House of Commons for the week beginning 4th December. Wibblers was established on a commercial basis in 2007 in a converted barn […]
Protecting the Green Belt
As you may be aware, the Government recently completed a consultation on changes to planning policy. Following this, a new ‘housing delivery test’ will be put in place to hold local authorities to account. I understand that this will show whether the number of homes being built is below target, help to establish the reasons […]
Sectoral Impact Assessments (Brexit)
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share this contribution As my hon. Friend has said, there are 850 pages of these documents and so far the Chairman of the Select Committee is the only Member who has actually seen them. I understand that the documents have been sent to two Select Committees of Parliament and […]
Local Newspapers
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share this contribution Does my right hon. Friend share my concern about the decline of local newspapers and the consequences for local democracy? Will she welcome the launch by the BBC of the local news partnership, which will support the employment of local democracy reporters? Does she agree that, […]
Local NHS funding
The Commonwealth Fund, a respected healthcare think-tank which works to improve access to healthcare around the world rated the NHS as the best healthcare system in the world, in an authoritative, comparative study of healthcare systems in developed economies. Whilst there is no room for complacency, I am encouraged that the NHS is performing well, […]
Repeal Bill
An essential first step for a successful Brexit is to pass the Repeal Bill which will ensure that all existing European law becomes British law once we are no longer a member of the EU. This will then allow us to amend or repeal legislation in our own country’s interest. I also agree that if […]
Gaming machines
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share this contribution I welcome the announcement of the consultation, particularly as there is now information about the effect of category B2 machines that did not exist when the Culture, Media and Sport Committee looked into the matter around five years ago. Will the Minister confirm that the Government’s […]
Burnham Allotments
John Whittingdale attended the Digging and Delving exhibition at the Burnham on Crouch Museum on the history of the allotments in Burnham and launch of the associated publication. The concept and implementation of this project was carried out by Create and Flourish CIC, a Community Interest Company based in Burnham which helps local people to […]
Wentworth School
John Whittingdale visited Wentworth School in Viking Road, Maldon, as part of their British Values Week. John met the members of the School Council and then addressed a School Assembly to talk about Democracy and to answer Questions. John said: “I very much enjoyed my visit to Wentworth and was most impressed by the perceptive […]