Plan B Restrictions
Last night, I voted for the restrictions that the Government has been advised to bring in to respond to the threat of Omicron. I did this reluctantly, but thought it best to set out why I did this, as I have had many emails from people both in support of the changes, and against. I […]
November Update
Welcome to my November Update. It has been a busy month both in Westminster, and the Constituency. I have enjoyed making a number of visits in the constituency this month, including visiting several schools to talk to pupils about UK Parliament Week, as well as visiting a Maldon-based business specialising in sustainable energy solutions during […]
Constituency Garden of Remembrance.
Yesterday, on Armistice Day, John Whittingdale laid a cross in the Speakers Constituency Garden of Remembrance in Parliament, to pay tribute to Ben Cobey – and all those from the Maldon constituency who gave their lives defending our freedom. Each Member of Parliament has been invited by the Speaker to place a tribute in the […]
Autumn Budget
I welcome the contents of this year’s Autumn Budget, announced by the Chancellor on 27 October. Just one year ago, this country was in the grip of the biggest recession it had experienced in 300 years and was dealing with the huge, far reaching effects of a global pandemic. With that incredibly challenging set of circumstances in mind, it […]
October Update
This month’s update is written after the recent tragic death of my friend and fellow Essex MP, Sir David Amess. I pay tribute below to Sir David as well as to James Brokenshire, who also had strong links to Essex and who sadly lost his long battle with cancer this month. I would like to […]
Tribute to Sir David Amess MP
David Amess was a great friend to me, and a brilliant MP for nearly 40 years. His death is truly shocking, and a huge loss to his constituents in Southend. At this time, all my thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
September Update
I was sorry to leave the Government in the recent reshuffle. I have enjoyed the 18 months I spent as Minister for Media and Data. During that time, I was privileged to take part in some of the discussions and decision-making of the Covid Operations Committee. I also led the work on the forthcoming reforms […]
UK Parliament Week 2021
UK Parliament Week (UKPW) is a celebration of people power. UK Parliament Week is coming up in November, and is an excellent opportunity to learn more about our political system here in the UK. Last year, almost a million people took part in UK Parliament Week Activities, over every region of the UK and in […]
August Update
Although Parliament has been in recess since July, my work has continued as normal during what has been a very busy month. I am sure that many will have been saddened by President Biden’s decision to withdraw American forces from Afghanistan, and Parliament was recalled on 18 August for a special session to debate the […]
National Data Strategy Forum
I was delighted to co-chair the first National Data Strategy Forum last week, along with Sue Daley of techUK. I would like to express thanks to Sue and the techUK team for working with us to make this happen. I have always said that Government cannot – and should not – deliver on the ambitions […]