The Gray Report on Events in 10 Downing Street
Over the last few weeks I have heard from many of my constituents, who have expressed their concern regarding the reported events that took place at Downing Street, during periods of national lockdown. I have read Sue Gray’s report and fully understand the anger felt by many of my constituents at its findings. Some of […]
Russian Sanctions
John Whittingdale MP stood in Parliament today to ask Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Elizabeth Truss, what the UK Government was doing to address the absence of free media in Russia. Mr Whittingdale’s key area of interest has always been media freedom- which is why he is concerned by the lack […]
Holocaust Memorial Day
Today John Whittingdale joined MPs from all parties in signing the Holocaust Memorial Trust’s book of Commitment, to pledge his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honour all the victims and pay tribute to those who survived. It was on this day in 1945 that Soviet soldiers liberated the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, Auswitz-Birkenau. […]
Article for The Times on the BBC License Fee
The BBC licence fee is still the best option — for now. This year the BBC celebrates its centenary. With the majority of its funding from a compulsory TV licence, the corporation has grown steadily so that it is now a £5 billion organisation employing 22,000 people and broadcasting eight national TV channels, more than […]
John Whittingdale appointed Leader of the Delegation for the UK.
John Whittingdale MP has been appointed as a full representative of the United Kingdom Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The Parliamentary Assembly is a branch of the OSCE, that facilitates discussion and cooperation between member state parliaments, on OSCE related work such as international security and […]
BBC funding debate
John Whittingdale stood in Parliament today, in the BBC funding debate to question the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorries, about the future funding model of the BBC. This follows the statement made by the Government, announcing that the TV license fee is being frozen for the next two years, […]
Nuclear Energy Bill, Bradwell B Nuclear Power Station.
I stood in Parliament yesterday to speak about my support for the possibility of building a new nuclear power station in Bradwell on Sea, in my constituency. I remain a strong supporter of nuclear power, and the fact that Bradwell successfully hosted a nuclear power station for 40 years—Bradwell A—from which I saw the benefits […]
Speech on Russia’s Grand Strategy
On the 6th January I made a speech in Parliament, on Russia’s Grand Strategy, and the suppression of human rights under the Putin regime. I talk about the suppression of media freedom, as well as the strategy towards Russia’s neighbours – in particular, Ukraine. I have made it clear to the Government that we need […]
December update
I hope all of my constituents had a Happy Christmas and New Year. I know for many, this past year was difficult in many ways. However, I hope that the continuation of our remarkable vaccination programme, with a particular focus on booster jabs- will see us out of this pandemic for good. I hope that […]
Illegal Hare Coursing
I am pleased that the Government is introducing new legislation to crack down on illegal hare coursing. Hare coursing is an illegal activity – where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares – and is a serious problem in some rural areas. Not only does hare coursing involve cruelty to wild animals, but it is also associated with a […]