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 […]
MP for a week – why not see how you would do?
MP For A Week drops you into the shoes of a backbench MP. And the job, as they say, is what you make of it. Will you debate the governments controversial Homework Bill or help Mrs Billingsley sort her rubbish collection? Want to hear what a climate change lobbyist has to say, or ask the […]
July Update
I am very pleased that Covid restrictions have now been lifted. It is a huge step along the Government’s roadmap and, after such a difficulty year, it is a decision that I am sure will be welcomed by many. The decision to introduce such restrictions was very difficult and one that I and my ministerial […]
June Update
I understand the reasons why the Prime Minister made the difficult decision on 14 June to extend the period of current Covid restrictions until 19 July. Whilst I appreciate that there will be some disappointment that Stage 4 will come a little later than had hoped, we cannot risk the virus – especially its more transmissible […]
World Press Freedom Day Debate
John was called to respond on behalf of the Government to a Westminster Hall debate on this year’s World Press Freedom Day. Press freedom in the UK and across the world has been an issue John has been closely involved with both during his time in government and as a backbencher. The debate was therefore a […]