Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Sir John welcomes action on children’s online safety and calls for social media companies to enforce existing age restrictions preventing under-13s from creating accounts.
Missing Mandelson Records
Sir John questions the absence of any recorded prime ministerial decision or discussion regarding Peter Mandelson’s appointment, seeking clarification on whether such records exist and, if not, why.
Russian Attacks on Ukraine
Sir John condemns Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilians, and presses the government for stronger air defences, accountability for war crimes, reconstruction funding and consideration of designating Russia a terrorist state.
Business Rates Question
Sir John Whittingdale warns hospitality businesses face severe pressure from energy costs, National Insurance rises and business rates, and urges ministers to consult firms before introducing an overnight fiscal levy.
John Whittingdale on Peter Mandelson
Sir John Whittingdale cites committee evidence that proper vetting was bypassed, highlights Downing Street’s role in forcing Mandelson’s appointment, and warns of national security risks and potential damage to UK–US relations.
New Health Centre Funding
Sir John Whittingdale presses the Government to include Maldon in future health centre funding rounds and requests a meeting to advance plans for a long-promised local health hub.
Local Government Reorganisation
Sir John Whittingdale questions feasibility of rapid Essex reorganisation, warning pressures from elections, NHS changes, and social care demand make the Government’s timetable unmanageable and urges reconsideration.
Support for Media Freedom
Sir John Whittingdale welcomes the UK co-chairing the Media Freedom Coalition and urges financial support for independent media where press freedom is declining, noting reduced US backing.
UK Response to Iran
Parliamentary question to the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, about his response to the situation in Iran, asking for clarity on his lack of support for the actions of UK allies.
UK Media Freedom
Parliamentary Question challenging the Chief Secretary about media freedom, and the UK’s upcoming role as chair of the global Media Freedom Coalition, in light of allegations against Labour Together.