Covid19 Statement
The Coronavirus-19 Pandemic is the greatest threat to Public Health that we have seen in our lifetimes. The Prime Minister has rightly described it as a National Emergency and the measures that have been introduced to tackle it are unprecedented. However, the scientific advice, based on the experience in other countries, is that these are […]
Free school meals
I do not dismiss the importance of ensuring that no child goes hungry. The vote last night was after a debate about how this can be achieved rather than whether it should be done at all. Opening schools to feed children year round is not a sensible option and it is right that parents […]
Fisheries Bill
A number of constituents contacted me about a note on the Fisheries Bill. The disagreements were over parliamentary process rather than disagreement about the importance of sustainable fishing. Officials advised that the opposition amendment on large vessels was unnecessary. The Bill is deliberately a framework Bill to enable the Government to take powers that would enable […]
Cultural recovery fund grants for Maldon
It is fantastic that Maldon District Council has been awarded £40,000 from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage with a further £40,000 going to help restore St Mary’s Church, Mundon. We are very lucky to have wonderful heritage assets in the District and this money will help us get through the current challenges and […]
Visit to P & S Automation Ltd
John Whittingdale visited P & S Automation Ltd in West Station Industrial Estate, Maldon. P & S Automation supply instrumentation, control and automation systems specialising in marine vessels. John saw two working systems for HMS Scott which will shortly be fitted in Falmouth. John’s visit was at the start of Maritime UK Week which highlights […]
Food Standards under future trade deals
I agree that we must make sure we do not allow trade deals to undermine our environmental and animal welfare standards. I know that the overwhelming majority of my colleagues support this, as does the Government as it was a commitment in the Conservative manifesto at the General Election last year. The amendment sounds entirely […]
MPs pay
I firmly agree with those who say that in the middle of a pandemic, when thousands are losing their jobs and seeing their income cut that it is entirely inappropriate for Members of Parliament to receive a pay rise. Neither the Government nor Members of Parliament set either the level of parliamentary salaries or the […]
Coronavirus response
The Government’s approach for preventing a comprehensive national lockdown is to work closely with local authorities to enact and enforce local restrictions if an increase in cases indicates that to be the best cause of action. While relaxations of restrictions over recent months have been most welcome, it is disappointing that despite the enormous sacrifices […]
Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year
John Whittingdale MP was presented in Parliament with a piece of artwork of the Hythe Quay in Maldon as a celebration of the local area. The piece, by Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year finalist Brian Ramsey, was donated by Sky to mark the launch of Sky Arts as a free-to-air channel. John said: […]
Visit to Plume Academy
John Whittngdale visited the Plume Academy in Maldon. In the last few years under strong leadership from the Head iPlume Academy has transformed. With 1700 pupils it is already the third biggest school in Essex and is likely soon to become the biggest. It is rated Good by Ofsted and in the first week back […]