Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP

Member of Parliament for Maldon

Planning Reform

A number of constituents have contacted me about the forthcoming planning reforms and the need to ensure they deliver for both people and wildlife. As someone with a passion for nature, I fully recognise the importance of tackling the nature crisis while also supporting the vital need for new infrastructure, housing, and clean energy. I […]

Third Party Data Gathering Measure

A number of constituents have contacted me about the third-party data-gathering measure. Fraud is a growing problem across the economy, accounting for over 40 per cent of all crime, and the welfare system is not immune to this. Although down by 10 per cent in 2022-23, £8.3 billion was still overpaid due to fraud and error […]

Dogs’ Welfare

A number of constituents have contacted me about the issue of dogs’ welfare. I truly appreciate your dedication to improving dog welfare and understand the concerns surrounding the current legislative and enforcement gaps that affect the wellbeing of our canine companions. I wholeheartedly agree that dogs play a vital role in our lives and the […]

Arthritis

A number of constituents have contacted me with concerns about the impact of arthritis. I fully recognise how debilitating this condition can be, affecting not only physical health but also taking a heavy toll on mental wellbeing. I understand the significance of improving early diagnosis, treatment, and care for arthritis, as outlined in the comprehensive […]

Regulations for School Meals

A number of constituents have contacted me raising concerns about the current regulations for school meals. I appreciate that people have highlighted the important issues of childhood nutrition, environmental sustainability, and the need for flexibility in school food provision. As set out in the School Food Standards, schools are required to provide a balanced diet […]

Wildlife Crime

A number of constituents have contacted me about the issue of wildlife crime. I fully understand and share the deep concern about the increasing incidents of wildlife crime in our country, as well as the low conviction rates and seemingly insufficient penalties for those responsible for these heinous acts. Those contacting me are right that […]

Open Doors World Watch List 2025

A number of constituents have been contacting me about Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). The importance of championing freedom of religion or belief is laid bare in the alarming facts and figures regarding Christian persecution described in the Open Doors world watch list for 2024. I am committed to defending FoRB for all, and […]

E-collars for pets

A number of constituents have contacted me about the issue of e-collars for pets. Thanks to legislation passed by the previous Government, the UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world.  I understand that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has considered the evidence regarding the use of […]

Alzheimer’s

A number of constituents have contacted me about the issue of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Alzheimer’s and dementia have a devastating impact on the lives of so many families in this country. With 900,000 people currently living with dementia in the UK, projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040, research is crucial to understanding the condition and improving the […]

Ocean Protection

A number of my constituents have contacted me about the issue of ocean protection. The UK is a global leader in protecting our seas, the ocean and marine life, working with counterparts both in the UK and overseas. At COP15 in 2022, almost 200 countries agreed a global commitment to reverse biodiversity loss and to protect […]