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 […]
Review of the Gambling Act 2005

The Minister for Media and Data (Mr John Whittingdale) I begin by congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool South (Scott Benton) on obtaining this debate, which comes hard on the heels of the debate we had last week in Westminster Hall about casinos. I also thank him for his work as chair of […]
Channel 4 Privatisation

The Minister for Media and Data (Mr John Whittingdale) I thank you, Ms Fovargue, and Mr Deputy Speaker, for presiding over our debate. Neither of you expected to be in this position today, so we appreciate your giving up the time to join us. I also thank the hon. Member for Wallasey (Dame Angela Eagle) […]
UK Casino Industry

Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Con) I beg to move, That this House has considered the UK casino industry. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell. Before I begin, I refer the House to my declaration in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. People’s perceptions of casinos often fall into two categories, […]
National Lottery Licence: Procurement

Carolyn Harris (Swansea East) (Lab) What progress he has made on the procurement process for the fourth national lottery licence. (902123) The Minister for Media and Data (Mr John Whittingdale) The Gambling Commission is running the competition for the next national lottery licence, which will come into force in August 2023. The Gambling Commission has undertaken […]
Paralympic Games

Dr Lisa Cameron (East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow) (SNP) What plans his Department has to (a) promote and (b) encourage people to watch the Paralympic Games in summer 2021. The Minister for Media and Data (Mr John Whittingdale) The Paralympic games are one of the highlights of the sporting calendar. In recognition of their special […]
Channel 4

Anum Qaisar-Javed (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) What recent discussions his Department has had with relevant stakeholders on the future of Channel 4. Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) (Lab) What plans the Government have to privatise Channel 4. (902114) Navendu Mishra (Stockport) (Lab) What plans the Government have to privatise Channel 4. (902117) The Minister for Media and […]
Safety of Journalists

The Minister for Media and Data (Mr John Whittingdale) I very much welcome this opportunity to debate what is, as you have rightly said, Mr Deputy Speaker, an extremely important subject. It is the second such debate we have had in the space of two weeks, as we recently debated World Press Freedom Day. I […]
Information Commissioner (Remuneration)

The Minister for Media and Data (Mr John Whittingdale) I beg to move, That the Committee has considered the motion: That, from 1 November 2021— (1) the Information Commissioner shall be paid a salary of £200,000 per annum and pension benefits in accordance with the standard award for the civil service pension scheme; (2) all […]
World Press Freedom Day

The Minister for Media and Data Mr John Whittindale It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Ghani. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Damian Collins) on securing the debate and on his work to promote media freedom. I am particularly grateful to him for taking over as […]