Afghanistan
Over the last two decades, 150,000 members of our Armed Forces have served in Afghanistan, mainly in Helmand province which was, from 2006 onwards, a focus of the UK operation. Working with Afghan security forces – our Servicemen and women sought to bring development and stability. My heartfelt regret is that 457 British service personnel […]
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 […]
Cuts to Foreign Aid Spending
This country has been and always will be open and outward-looking, leading in solving the world’s toughest problems and striving to be a force for good in the world. Whether it’s stepping up to support desperate Syrians and Yemenis in conflict zones, leading the way in eradicating Ebola and malaria, or supporting millions of children […]
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 […]
John Opens New Maldon Smokehouse
On 16 July, John was delighted to cut the ribbon and open Lambton & Jackson’s new Maldon smokehouse. The local business, that was started in 2014 by Sean Jackson and Darcy Lambton at Chigborough Fisheries, has become a big success and now delivers across the UK and to a number of 5-star hotels. The new state-of-the-art building, […]
John Visits Danbury Park School Ahead of Net Zero Event
On 9 July, John visited the Danbury Park Community Primary School to mark the announcement of Net Zero: Making Essex Carbon Neutral, an online event on 20 July to launch the Essex Climate Action Commission’s report and recommendations for tackling climate change in the county. Danbury Park Community Primary School has been highlighted as a […]
Nationality and Borders Bill
The United Kingdom has a proud record of helping those fleeing persecution, oppression or tyranny from around the world. Alongside providing £10 billion a year to support people through our overseas aid, the UK is a global leader in refugee resettlement. As a country, between 2016 and 2019 we resettled more refugees from outside Europe […]
Health and Care Bill
The NHS is a vital and important service which this Government is committed to protecting and improving. The NHS will always be free at the point of use, and any proposed reforms will aim to continue to improve the quality of these services and patient outcomes. The Government has made a clear commitment to supporting […]
Local NHS Waiting Times
Mr Whittingdale been contacted by constituents over the past month about NHS waiting times and the disruption that Covid has had to treatment. To illustrate the disruption caused by Covid to local NHS services, the number of patients waiting more than 52 weeks for hospital treatment in the Mid and South Essex area was 324 in […]