Brexit
The EU referendum was the biggest vote in the democratic history of our country and it delivered a clear result – a majority of over well a million in favour of Britain leaving the EU. Since taking office the Prime Minister, Theresa May, has been admirably clear, too, that Brexit has to mean Brexit. Almost […]
Yemen and Saudi Arabia
A number of constituents have been in touch with me about the sale of arms to Saudi Arabia and the situation in Yemen. I share the growing concern about the humanitarian situation in Yemen and I am assured that the Government is continuing its efforts to address the urgent humanitarian needs. The UK is one […]
Mayfair Tax Loophole
The Government is committed to tackling tax avoidance and evasion at all levels to ensure everyone pays the right tax at the right time. Avoidance (and evasion) damages the effectiveness of the tax system and imposes additional costs on all taxpayers This loophole is part of the capital gains system and was agreed by the […]
Microbeads
I know that there is some concern locally about plastic microbeads. I understand and share your concerns about the impact these ingredients can have on the marine environment and fish. That is why I am pleased to tell you that, following work with the industry to achieve a voluntary phase-out, the Government has announced plans […]
Young People’s Art Competition
John Whittingdale was one of the judges for the Young People’s Art Competition in Maldon. John had to judge entries in four age categories: Under 7s, 7-10, 11-13 and 14-16. The winners will be announced on 16th September at Maldon Library. John said: “The theme for this year’s competition was Maldon events and the standard […]
Transgender and the Sexual Offences Act
A number of constituents have contacted me about the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and how it applies to transgender people. They are concerned that the Act can be misinterpreted and wrongfully target trans people as sexual predators if they do not make full disclosure about their background when initiating a relationship. I am not a lawyer but, […]
Funding refuges.
I know that there is some concern about changes to Housing Benefit and the equivalent in Universal Credit from April 2018. The changes to Housing Benefit announced in the 2015 Autumn Statement involve aligning the rules for claimants in the social sector with those for claimants renting privately. Over the last five years, average social […]
John pops in at Dan Hull Foods
John visited Dan Hull Foods in Burnham on Crouch. Dan established a farm shop just outside Burnham on Crouch selling locally sourced meat, local produce, homemade pies and ready meals. He also now supplies East of England Co-op stores, other farm shops and Selfridges and is seeking to expand to new premises. John is pictured […]
Somme 100th Anniversary
The public will be invited to the Thiepval Memorial in France on 1 July 2016 to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, the Culture Secretary John Whittingdale announced today. The joint Anglo-French commemoration of the Battle of the Somme is expected to attract great public interest, so tickets will be made available […]
EU Referendum
John wrote an article for the Times setting out the reasons why he supported the Vote Leave Campaign. The test of the article is as follows: I have huge respect and admiration for the Prime Minister. Under his leadership, we have turned around an economy that, in 2010, was on its knees. I have no […]