Maldon Moves Into Tier 3
The decision to place most of Essex in Tier 3 is a huge disappointment but sadly was unavoidable. All of us had hoped that when our Tier 2 status was due to be reviewed on 16th December, it would be possible to relax the restrictions. However, the figures that I saw at an emergency meeting […]
Many Happy (Rovers) Returns!
As part of his ministerial duties, John responded on behalf of the government to a recent adjournment debate in the House of Commons to mark the 60th birthday of the nation’s favourite soap opera, Coronation Street. Click here to see the speech. Happy birthday, Corrie!
December Covid Update
I have been contacted by a large number of constituents about the change in lockdown arrangements after 2 December. Many are understandably concerned about what the new tier system will mean for their business or if they will now be able to visit a loved one at a care home, whilst some remain sceptical about the need for […]
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 […]