OSCE meeting
The Organization for the Security and Co-operation in Europe has three ‘general committees’ on Political Affairs and Security; Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and the Environment; and Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions. John Whittingdale serves on the Political Affairs Committee. Watch the video of his recent contribution to debate here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8fJm41TzpA
Tiger Trade
Tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, lions and jaguars are being killed to meet demand for their parts and products, mostly from Chinese consumers. This demand is being sustained and stimulated by government policies – particularly in China – which continues to allow legal trade in big cat products and the commercial breeding of tigers […]
IPU UK France meeting
A delegation of UK parliamentarians from both Houses led by the BGIPU Chair, Rt Hon John Whittingdale OBE MP, visited Paris on 26-27 June to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) with members of the French IPU Group. This visit recognised the significant role played by both parliaments in the founding of […]
Guide Dogs event
John Whittingdale MP supported a campaign to tackle discrimination against guide dog owners at an event in Parliament organised by the charity Guide Dogs. John is pictured with June and her dog Shannon, and Robert and his dog, Tud, from Chelmsford. On Wednesday, 19 June, more than a hundred guide dog owners from across the […]
130th anniversary of the IPU
The Chair and Executive Committee of the BGIPU invited members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords to attend a diplomatic reception in Speaker’s House on 25 June 2019 to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Members of the Diplomatic Corps and key stakeholders in UK Parliament were also […]
Media Freedom
Globally, threats to journalists are the highest they have been in ten years and according to Freedom House, a mere 13% of the global population have access to a free press. As highlighted in a recent House of Lords Library Briefing, UNESCO says every day serves as a reminder that “in dozens of countries around […]
Ukraine
I understand that February is an emotional time for many in Ukraine. Just five years ago, many Ukrainian citizens gave their lives in their fight for freedom against the corrupt and authoritarian regime of Yanukovych. However, that victory which led to his ousting and flight to Russia also provided the opportunity for Vladimir Putin then […]
Draft Transfrontier Shipment of Radioactive Waste and spent fuel (EU Exit) Regulations 2018
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share I reassure colleagues that I do not intend to detain the Committee for long. I just want to put on the record that for my first 12 years in this place I represented an operational nuclear power station at Bradwell-on-Sea. In the past 10 years, that power station […]
Telegraph Article on Brexit
This day, 28 years ago, I sat with Margaret Thatcher in 10 Downing Street as her Political Secretary, three days after Michael Heseltine had announced that he was challenging her for the Leadership of the Conservative Party. At that time, any MP could mount a challenge with just the support of a proposer and seconder. […]
Wildlife Trust Reception in Parliament
John Whittingdale, Member of Parliament for Maldon, met members of Essex Wildlife Trust at the reception given by The Wildlife Trusts in Parliament. The reception was given to celebrate the contribution of young people to the work of the Trust and to support the campaign for an ambitious Environment Bill to ensure nature’s recovery. John […]