130th anniversary of the IPU
The Chair and Executive Committee of the BGIPU invited members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords to attend a diplomatic reception in Speaker’s House on 25 June 2019 to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Members of the Diplomatic Corps and key stakeholders in UK Parliament were also […]
Twinning Anniversary
John Whittingdale attended events to mark the 50th Anniversary of Maldon’s Twinning with Cuijk in the Netherlands. The town of Cuijk is situated on the river Maas in the province of Noord-Brabant, near the German border. There have been regular exchanges between the two towns and strong links established: https://www.twinninglink.org/ Around 40 visitors from Cuijk […]
Climate Change Meeting
John Whittingdale chaired and spoke at a public meeting at the Plume Academy on the subject of Climate Change. The meeting was organised by Jill Bruce, a WI Climate Ambassador, and Hattie Phillips, a Year 8 pupil at Plume Academy. The other speakers were Gareth Redmond-King of WWF-UK, Darren Tansley of Essex Wildlife Trust and […]
Media Freedom
Globally, threats to journalists are the highest they have been in ten years and according to Freedom House, a mere 13% of the global population have access to a free press. As highlighted in a recent House of Lords Library Briefing, UNESCO says every day serves as a reminder that “in dozens of countries around […]
Sailing Boat “Pudge” – Thames Sailing Barge Trust
John Whittingdale helped launch the perpetuation of Sailing Boat “Pudge” by the Thames Sailing Barge Trust at Hythe Quay, Maldon. The project aims to restore “Pudge” by replacing her decking and hatches, improving her facilities and accommodation, researching and interpreting her heritage and addressing the skills shortage in the Thames Sailing Barge community. It is […]
Maldon Mosque
John Whittingdale visited the newly refurbished Maldon Mosque in Church Street run by the Maldon District Islamic Cultural Association. Founded in January 1988, the Association purchased the old Labour Hall in 2005 and converted it into a mosque. Following a crowd-funding appeal to the Muslim Community across the country, a new floor was added to […]
Down Hall Residential Home
John Whittingdale visited Down Hall Residential Home in Bradwell on Sea to lunch with staff and residents. A lively conversation ensued covering the changes to the Maldon District over the last 30 years to the current political debate around Brexit! John said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Down Hall and had a delicious lunch. […]
Chelmer Housing Partnership
John Whittingdale opened the new Chelmer Housing Partnership development at Grangewood Park, Southminster Road, Burnham on Crouch. This is a new development of 72 affordable dwellings representing the first rented and shared ownership homes provided by CHP in Burnham. All of the rental properties will be owned by CHP with Maldon District Council nominating people […]
Essex Police
John Whittingdale joined other Essex MPs at a meeting with Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst, and Chief Constable BJ Harrington. The meeting was held to discuss policing in the County. John raised concerns about response rates, particularly in rural areas, as well as drug abuse and the need for more visible policing […]
Ukraine
I understand that February is an emotional time for many in Ukraine. Just five years ago, many Ukrainian citizens gave their lives in their fight for freedom against the corrupt and authoritarian regime of Yanukovych. However, that victory which led to his ousting and flight to Russia also provided the opportunity for Vladimir Putin then […]