Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP

Member of Parliament for Maldon

Campaigns

Many residents contact me through organised email campaigns on national and local issues. These messages are an important way for constituents to make their views known, and I carefully consider the points raised when responding and when representing our area in Parliament.

Where a large number of people write to me about the same campaign, I will often publish my response here so that residents can see my position and the action I am taking. This helps ensure transparency, keeps constituents informed, and allows everyone to understand how I am engaging with issues raised by the community.

Labelling Reforms

Sir John supports clearer animal welfare food labelling, calling for greater transparency so consumers can make informed choices and British farmers are not undercut by lower-standard imports.

Public Order Act

Sir John supports peaceful protest but says any Public Order Act changes affecting life sciences must be justified, balanced and protect both animal welfare standards and the UK’s ability to deliver vital medical research.

WASPI Campaign

Sir John urges the Government to bring clarity and a fair resolution to the WASPI compensation review, stressing the need for trust, accountability and timely decisions for women affected.

Social Media Ban

Sir John recognises growing harms from social media use among children, supports stronger enforcement of existing laws, and says technology companies must be held accountable before considering a statutory ban for under-16s.

Nuclear Regulatory Review

Sir John says energy infrastructure and nature protection must go hand in hand, and will scrutinise the Nuclear Regulatory Review to ensure reforms do not weaken environmental safeguards or commitments to wildlife and habitats.

Digital ID

Sir John opposes mandatory digital ID, backing voluntary tools only with offline alternatives and warning compulsory systems risk undermining privacy, liberty and public trust.

Fireworks and Animal Welfare

Response to constituents’ concerns about fireworks, recognising the impact on animals and vulnerable people and supporting consideration of quieter, more responsible use while maintaining traditional celebrations.

Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Response to constituents’ concerns about the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, stressing the need to protect nature, maintain local accountability and ensure reforms do not weaken environmental safeguards.

Agricultural Property Relief

Response to constituents’ concerns about changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief, warning of the impact on family farms and rural communities and urging the Government to reconsider.

Digital ID 

Response to constituents’ concerns about digital identity proposals, supporting voluntary systems to improve services while stressing the importance of privacy, personal liberty and strong data protections.

Firearms Legislation

Proposals to align shotgun legislation with wider firearms controls, stressing the importance of public safety while protecting legitimate rural and farming uses.

Chagos Islands

Response to constituents’ concerns about proposals to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, raising security, financial and strategic implications and pressing the Government for clarity and scrutiny.