DCMS Questions

Thursday 15th June Sir John Whittingdale was in the Chamber today for Department for Culture, Media and Sport Questions. He answered questions on topics including BBC Local Radio, the 200 year anniversary of the passenger railway, and the Draft Media Bill. The full questions session can be found here.
World Press Freedom Day
Maldon Oysters, Westminster Hall Debate on Shellfish Industry

Sir John Whittingdale made a speech in the Westminster Hall Debate on the Shellfish Industry, and raised the concerns of Maldon Oysters- a successful business in the constituency that he has visited previously. John mentioned to the Minister his concern about sewage discharge and declining water quality which poses a threat to these businesses, and […]
Russian Assets Seizure

Sir John Whittingdale made a speech in the Russian Assets Seizure Debate, to highlight what work is being done in the international community to ensure that when the reconstruction of Ukraine can begin, that it must be the Russian Government that pays. It is only right that the Russian State pays for the damage and […]
UK Soft Power

Sir John Whittingdale asked the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs about how the UK is investing in its soft power capabilities, through increasing funding for the BBC World Service, The British Council and the scholarship and fellowship programmes.
Inquiry into Mental Health Services in Essex

Today Sir John Whittingdale MP spoke in the Westminster Hall Debate, which was obtained by his colleague and fellow Essex MP, Vicky Ford, on the Independent Inquiry into Mental Health Services in Essex. John expressed his regret, and overwhelming concern that families have been let down by the process to date, and called on the […]
Russia’s Grand Strategy Speech

Sir John Whittingdale MP made a speech in the Russian Grand Strategy Debate today, highlighting the the oppression of the Russian people under Putins regime, the suppression of free media in Russia, and the ongoing work to prosecute Russia of likely War Crimes, for Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.
Iranian Journalists

Sir John Whittingdale asked the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, what the Government is doing in response to continuing threats against journalists working for Iran International, whose headquarters are in the UK. This was following a statement made by the Foreign Secretary in response to the execution of Alireza Akbari, an Iranian-British National in Iran.
Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership

Sir John Whittingdale MP spoke in the Home Secretary’s statement on the Rwanda migration and economic development partnership, to express his agreement on the policy following his recent visit to Rwanda.
Speech on BBC Local Radio

Sir John Whittingdale MP spoke in the debate on the future of BBC Local Radio, to express his disappointment at the BBC’s decision to reduce funding for Local Radio services in order to provide further funding for online news. BBC Radio Essex is highly valued by constituents in Maldon, as it provides a local service […]