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 […]
Draft Transfrontier Shipment of Radioactive Waste and spent fuel (EU Exit) Regulations 2018
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share I reassure colleagues that I do not intend to detain the Committee for long. I just want to put on the record that for my first 12 years in this place I represented an operational nuclear power station at Bradwell-on-Sea. In the past 10 years, that power station […]
Bradwell Community Shop and Post Office
John Whittingdale opened the new Coffee Room at Bradwell Community Shop and Post Office: https://www.bradwellcommunityshop.co.uk/ The new Coffee Room has been built to provide a meeting place for members of the village with the help of Essex Community Foundation and Bradwell Windfarm Community Fund. John met residents of the village including a number of those […]
Telegraph Article on Brexit
This day, 28 years ago, I sat with Margaret Thatcher in 10 Downing Street as her Political Secretary, three days after Michael Heseltine had announced that he was challenging her for the Leadership of the Conservative Party. At that time, any MP could mount a challenge with just the support of a proposer and seconder. […]