Topical Questions

Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share T4. In the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal, will my right hon. Friend consider using the provisions of article XXIV of the general agreement on tariffs and trade to maintain existing arrangements until a free trade agreement can be concluded, and thus avoid any […]
Leaving the European Union

Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share Does my right hon. Friend agree that the whole history of the European Union has shown that time and again, when there are intractable disputes, agreement is obtained, often late at night, with about an hour to go before the clock runs out? Will she therefore stick to […]
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 […]