Cairncross Review
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share I very much welcome Dame Frances Cairncross’s report, which I believe addresses one of the greatest challenges to properly functioning democracy today. Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the priority must be to facilitate more professional journalists to report on the proceedings of local councils, […]
Questions to the Prime Minister
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share Q8. Is my right hon. Friend aware that last year was the worst on record for the deaths, imprisonment and hostage taking of journalists, with 80 across the world killed in the course of their work. Does she agree that journalists fulfil a vital role in a free society, […]
Leaving the EU
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share I thank my right hon. Friend for listening to concerns expressed by a number of Conservative Members and for her recognition that there must be changes in the backstop, but will she also confirm that the aspects of our future relationship set out in the political declaration, which […]
Nuclear Update
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share Does my right hon. Friend agree that it remains highly desirable to have a diversity of providers and technologies in civil nuclear generation? Will he therefore confirm, particularly in the light of recent concerns expressed about some Chinese investments, that the Government will remain fully supportive of the […]
Exiting the European Union
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share It is a privilege to be called to speak immediately after two important speeches from each of the Front Benches. I campaigned in favour of Britain remaining a member in 1975. I was too young to vote, but I put leaflets through doors that clearly said we would […]
International Protection of Journalists
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share I am very grateful to have the opportunity to debate the very important issue of the international protection of journalists. I am also delighted to see so many colleagues present. We have only an hour so I will endeavour to keep my remarks brief. I thank all those […]
Exiting the EU
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share My right hon. Friend said in her statement that alternative arrangements making use of technology could be put in place that would render the backstop unnecessary. Will she therefore incorporate those arrangements and go back to the EU and ask for a free trade agreement along the lines […]
G20 Summit
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share I thank my right hon. Friend for the Government’s support for Ukraine in the face of increased Russian aggression. Will she look at ways of stepping up pressure on Russia to release not just the 24 sailors, but the 68 other Ukrainian political prisoners held in occupied Crimea […]
Ukraine Russia Relations
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share (Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Russian action in the sea of Azov and the subsequent declaration of martial law in parts of Ukraine. The Minister for the Middle East (Alistair Burt) Share I […]
Leaving the EU
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share My right hon. Friend said that one of the benefits of leaving the EU is the ability to sign trade agreements with third countries, but what realistic prospect is there for that while we remain within the customs union and even after that, when we have pledged to […]