Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP

Member of Parliament for Maldon

House of Commons Speeches & Parliamentary Questions

This page brings together speeches, statements, and parliamentary questions delivered in the House of Commons by Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP. Entries are presented chronologically and include both oral contributions in the Chamber and written questions submitted as part of the formal parliamentary process.

Missing Mandelson Records

Sir John questions the absence of any recorded prime ministerial decision or discussion regarding Peter Mandelson’s appointment, seeking clarification on whether such records exist and, if not, why.

Russian Attacks on Ukraine

Sir John condemns Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilians, and presses the government for stronger air defences, accountability for war crimes, reconstruction funding and consideration of designating Russia a terrorist state.

Business Rates Question

Sir John Whittingdale warns hospitality businesses face severe pressure from energy costs, National Insurance rises and business rates, and urges ministers to consult firms before introducing an overnight fiscal levy.

John Whittingdale on Peter Mandelson

Sir John Whittingdale cites committee evidence that proper vetting was bypassed, highlights Downing Street’s role in forcing Mandelson's appointment, and warns of national security risks and potential damage to UK–US relations.

New Health Centre Funding

Sir John Whittingdale presses the Government to include Maldon in future health centre funding rounds and requests a meeting to advance plans for a long-promised local health hub.

Local Government Reorganisation

Sir John Whittingdale questions feasibility of rapid Essex reorganisation, warning pressures from elections, NHS changes, and social care demand make the Government’s timetable unmanageable and urges reconsideration.

Support for Media Freedom

Sir John Whittingdale welcomes the UK co-chairing the Media Freedom Coalition and urges financial support for independent media where press freedom is declining, noting reduced US backing.

UK Response to Iran

Parliamentary question to the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, about his response to the situation in Iran, asking for clarity on his lack of support for the actions of UK allies.

UK Media Freedom

Parliamentary Question challenging the Chief Secretary about media freedom, and the UK's upcoming role as chair of the global Media Freedom Coalition, in light of allegations against Labour Together.

Foreign Office Budget Cuts

Sir John argued against cuts to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office budget, stressing the need to protect soft power institutions like the BBC World Service and British Council while supporting defence funding.

Journalist Safety in Iran

Urgent Question in Parliament on Iran’s crackdown on protesters, with calls for accountability, sanctions, and support for journalists and investigators to establish responsibility and pursue justice.

China and Japan

Parliamentary exchange on the Prime Minister’s visit to China and Japan, including concerns raised over China’s role in supplying Russia and implications for UK security and foreign policy.