Article for the Telegraph on Leveson and the Data Protection Bill
Tomorrow, the House of Commons will debate the Data Protection Bill. This is a vital piece of legislation which is essential to ensuring that our laws are up to date and that we will be able to continue to exchange data with Europe once we leave the European Union. During its passage through the House […]
Family Reunion
I strongly support the principle of family unity, but it is important to note that there are already legal routes for families to be reunited safely that are not dependent on our EU membership. The UK’s family reunion policy is generous, granting over 23,000 family reunion visas over the last five years, and I can […]
Overseas voters
A number of constituents have got in touch with me about British citizens voting overseas. British citizens who move abroad remain a vital part of our democracy, and it is important that they have the ability to participate. Indeed, expats retain strong links with the UK. They may have family here, or plan to return […]
#PassOnPlastic
John Whittingdale signed a pledge to #PassOnPlastic with Sky Ocean Rescue – a commitment to reduce single-use plastic consumption. Launched in January 2017, Sky Ocean Rescue aims to shine a spotlight on the issues of ocean health, particularly single-use plastic, and inspire people to make small changes. The #PassOnPlastic pledge was also signed by 113 […]
Sandon School Visit
John Whittingdale visited Sandon School to talk to Sixth Formers on a range of political issues. As well as having a tour, John discussed with students a number of subjects which they wanted to raise including pollution and climate change, funding of the NHS, university admissions, global security and Brexit. John said: “it was a […]
John Whittingdale backs British farming
John Whittingdale has recognised the vital role that Maldon arable and dairy farmers are contributing to the local and national economy, after attending an event in Westminster this week. Farming in East Anglia region contributes £1.25 billion to the local economy and provides 41,167 jobs – this is on top of the safe, affordable food […]
20 December 2017 – debate on Ukraine
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) Share this contribution I beg to move, That this House has considered the situation in Ukraine. I thank you, Mrs Gillan, and the Speaker for this opportunity to debate the situation in Ukraine. I also thank the Minister for Europe and the Americas for coming to respond […]
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 […]