Autumn Budget
I welcome the contents of this year’s Autumn Budget, announced by the Chancellor on 27 October. Just one year ago, this country was in the grip of the biggest recession it had experienced in 300 years and was dealing with the huge, far reaching effects of a global pandemic. With that incredibly challenging set of circumstances in mind, it […]
October Update
This month’s update is written after the recent tragic death of my friend and fellow Essex MP, Sir David Amess. I pay tribute below to Sir David as well as to James Brokenshire, who also had strong links to Essex and who sadly lost his long battle with cancer this month. I would like to […]
Sewage Vote
Many of my constituents have written to me this week, to tell me their views on last weeks sewage discharge vote, particularly with regards to the environmental impact of poor storm overflow systems. I too, completely agree that the amount of sewage being released into our rivers and seas is unacceptable and must be addressed […]
Meeting with Chief Superintendent
Last week John met with Chief Superintendent, Tom Simons, Essex North Local Policing Area Commander, to discuss local policing issues. Essex Police has seen over 700 new police officers join the force since 2016, which has helped with strengthening local response teams. It is good to see that there is a particular focus on reducing […]
Tribute to Sir David Amess MP
David Amess was a great friend to me, and a brilliant MP for nearly 40 years. His death is truly shocking, and a huge loss to his constituents in Southend. At this time, all my thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Visit to Thomas Plume’s Library
Last week John visited Thomas Plume’s Library in Maldon, to learn more about the recent restorations that were completed to preserve the historic building. Thomas Plume’s Library is one of the oldest public libraries in the UK. The Plume Library was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2020, as restoration work was deemed essential […]
GP Surgeries
In the last month, there have been concerns that have been raised by constituents about access to primary care in the constituency. It is an issue that I have previously raised with the local NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and have closely monitored during the summer. I have recently been informed by the CCG that, of […]
September Update
I was sorry to leave the Government in the recent reshuffle. I have enjoyed the 18 months I spent as Minister for Media and Data. During that time, I was privileged to take part in some of the discussions and decision-making of the Covid Operations Committee. I also led the work on the forthcoming reforms […]
Visit to Creeksea House
Last week John visited Creeksea House in Burnham-On-Crouch, to learn more about how Historic England has helped to keep historic buildings like Creeksea going despite the challenges the pandemic has brought. During his visit, John was joined by Maldon District and Essex County Councillor Jane Fleming, alongside Historic England’s Chief Executive Duncan Wilson and Heritage at […]
Climate Change
The UK has a proud record on climate action, being the first major economy to legislate to achieve net zero by 2050. I welcome the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan which will allow the UK to forge ahead in eradicating the UK’s contribution to climate change. As included in the plan, the UK will produce […]