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 […]
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 […]