Debate on the Ukraine
John Whittingdale, Chairman of the Ukraine All Party Parliamentary Group, led a debate in Parliament on the Situation in Ukraine. During the debate, John Whittingdale described his recent visit to Kiev and to the Government-controlled areas close to the conflict zone in East Ukraine. John called on the Government to provide more financial assistance to […]
Local NHS
John Whittingdale raised with the Secretary of State for Health his concern about the difficulty faced in recruiting GPs to work in primary care local. This has led to both Blackwater Medical Centre and Longfield Medical Centre in Maldon closing their doors to new patients. John Whittingdale welclomed the Government’s funding of an additional 1,500 […]
Sentient animals
Some voices have suggested that the vote last week on New Clause 30 of the EU Withdrawal Bill somehow signalled a weakening in the protection of animals. That is plain wrong. Voting against the amendment was not a vote against the idea that animals are sentient and feel pain. That is a ridiculous misconception. Ministers […]
Wibblers in the House of Commons
John Whittingdale welcomed Phil and Abby Wilcox, proprietors of Wibblers Brewery in Southminster to the House of Commons to celebrate their best-selling Apprentice ale, being guest beer in the Strangers Bar of the House of Commons for the week beginning 4th December. Wibblers was established on a commercial basis in 2007 in a converted barn […]
Protecting the Green Belt
As you may be aware, the Government recently completed a consultation on changes to planning policy. Following this, a new ‘housing delivery test’ will be put in place to hold local authorities to account. I understand that this will show whether the number of homes being built is below target, help to establish the reasons […]
Local NHS funding
The Commonwealth Fund, a respected healthcare think-tank which works to improve access to healthcare around the world rated the NHS as the best healthcare system in the world, in an authoritative, comparative study of healthcare systems in developed economies. Whilst there is no room for complacency, I am encouraged that the NHS is performing well, […]
Repeal Bill
An essential first step for a successful Brexit is to pass the Repeal Bill which will ensure that all existing European law becomes British law once we are no longer a member of the EU. This will then allow us to amend or repeal legislation in our own country’s interest. I also agree that if […]
Burnham Allotments
John Whittingdale attended the Digging and Delving exhibition at the Burnham on Crouch Museum on the history of the allotments in Burnham and launch of the associated publication. The concept and implementation of this project was carried out by Create and Flourish CIC, a Community Interest Company based in Burnham which helps local people to […]
Wentworth School
John Whittingdale visited Wentworth School in Viking Road, Maldon, as part of their British Values Week. John met the members of the School Council and then addressed a School Assembly to talk about Democracy and to answer Questions. John said: “I very much enjoyed my visit to Wentworth and was most impressed by the perceptive […]
Victoria Passenger Boat
John Whittingdale visited the refurbished Victoria Passenger Boat at Paper Mill Lock, Little Baddow, which is owned and operated by Essex Waterways. The boat was purchased and restored by Essex Waterways with the help of a grant of £32,838 from the Essex Rivers LEADER programme, administered by the Rural Community Council of Essex. John is […]