Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP

Member of Parliament for Maldon

Call of the Wild Zoo

Visit to Call of the Wild Zoo to mark English Tourism Week. Sir John met with the Zoo Directors to discuss their work and some of the issues they face.

Maldon & Southminster NFU

Sir John met members of the National Farmers’ Union in Maldon and Southminster to discuss key rural issues and reaffirmed his commitment to raising farmers’ concerns in Parliament.

Marie Curie

Sir John attended a Westminster event for the Great Daffodil Appeal, where he met Ambassador Alison Steadman and a clinical nurse manager from Marie Curie. He praised the charity’s vital work supporting people with terminal illness and families through bereavement.

Morrisons’ Holiday Hunger Initiative

Sir John visited Morrisons to learn about the Kellogg’s & Morrisons Free Breakfast Holiday Hunger Initiative, meeting staff and highlighting the scheme’s support for families during school holidays.

BBC Any Questions?

Sir John appeared on the BBC Any Questions? panel, discussing issues such as the Conflict in Iran, the Special Relationship, energy security, artificial intelligence and economic growth in the UK.

Maldon Oysters Visit

Sir John met with Katie Emerson of Maldon Oysters at the APPG for Shellfish Aquaculture in Westminster. Maldon Oysters is a family-run local business supporting sustainable oyster farming processes.

Labelling Reforms

Sir John supports clearer animal welfare food labelling, calling for greater transparency so consumers can make informed choices and British farmers are not undercut by lower-standard imports.

Public Order Act

Sir John supports peaceful protest but says any Public Order Act changes affecting life sciences must be justified, balanced and protect both animal welfare standards and the UK’s ability to deliver vital medical research.

WASPI Campaign

Sir John urges the Government to bring clarity and a fair resolution to the WASPI compensation review, stressing the need for trust, accountability and timely decisions for women affected.

Social Media Ban

Sir John recognises growing harms from social media use among children, supports stronger enforcement of existing laws, and says technology companies must be held accountable before considering a statutory ban for under-16s.