UQ on BBC, Bashir & Diana Interview
On Monday 24 May, John was in the chamber in his role as minister at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to answer an Urgent Question submitted by the Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, Julian Knight, about the outcome of the independent inquiry conducted by Lord Dyson into Martin […]
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Duke of Edinburgh. Our country owes him a great debt: for the tremendous support which he gave to HM Queen, but also for his leadership in the many areas in which he achieved so much – for young people, for conservation, for science and engineering […]
Budget 2021 Reaction
The Budget today is fantastic news for all those people and businesses who were worried how they would get through the next few months until they are able to get fully back to work. Many local firms in Maldon have been in contact with me over the last few weeks asking for an extension […]
Vaccine Update
It is very welcome news that the number of Covid cases in Maldon continues to fall with 67 testing positive in the last 7 days, bringing the rate per 100,000 down to 147.9. With the R rate in the East of England now 0.7 to 0.9, this number should go on falling as long as we […]
Essex Re-enters Lockdown
I fully understand that the announcement of a further national lockdown from today is another bitter blow for many who have already endured months of restrictions causing separation from family and friends, loss of income and cancellation of plans. In particular, I recognise that the return to remote learning for those in education will be […]
Tier 4 Statement
I know how distressing it was for people in Maldon and Chelmsford to hear that new Tier 4 restrictions were being imposed on London and the Home Counties from Sunday morning. In addition, the withdrawal of the five day relaxation for Christmas is another huge blow to families, many of whom have already been unable […]
John Interviewed on the Future of UK Media
John was recently interviewed by Amal Rajan at the Radio Academy Festival for the BBC Radio 4’s The Media Show. In a wide-ranging interview, John was asked about his thoughts on the future of public broadcasting and the licence fee, the growing influence of podcasts and the role of big tech platforms in British media. […]
Maldon Moves Into Tier 3
The decision to place most of Essex in Tier 3 is a huge disappointment but sadly was unavoidable. All of us had hoped that when our Tier 2 status was due to be reviewed on 16th December, it would be possible to relax the restrictions. However, the figures that I saw at an emergency meeting […]
Many Happy (Rovers) Returns!
As part of his ministerial duties, John responded on behalf of the government to a recent adjournment debate in the House of Commons to mark the 60th birthday of the nation’s favourite soap opera, Coronation Street. Click here to see the speech. Happy birthday, Corrie!
December Covid Update
I have been contacted by a large number of constituents about the change in lockdown arrangements after 2 December. Many are understandably concerned about what the new tier system will mean for their business or if they will now be able to visit a loved one at a care home, whilst some remain sceptical about the need for […]