To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
Press Freedom
Tuesday 8th March 2022

Asked by: John Whittingdale (Conservative - Maldon)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to promote global media freedom.

Answered by Vicky Ford

We commend all journalists in Ukraine for their bravery in these unprecedented times and condemn the censorship of independent journalists in Russia.

The UK is a longstanding champion of media freedom globally, which is vital to realising the network of liberty. My noble friend, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, led the UK delegation at the annual Global Conference for Media Freedom in Estonia last month.

We co-founded the Media Freedom Coalition, and continue to work with them, and partners to address the deteriorating global media freedom situation.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 28 Feb 2022
Sanctions

"Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the Russian people are being consistently lied to by Russian state media about both the scale of Russia’s military action and the resulting loss of life? Does she agree that that makes the role of the BBC World Service and other trusted media …..."
John Whittingdale - View Speech

View all John Whittingdale (Con - Maldon) contributions to the debate on: Sanctions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 10 Feb 2022
Russia Sanctions Legislation

"The Prime Minister has been quoted as saying that we are at the “most dangerous moment” in the next few days. I do not expect a detailed answer to my question but, to bring home the devastating consequences should military aggression occur and to bring home that we will not …..."
John Whittingdale - View Speech

View all John Whittingdale (Con - Maldon) contributions to the debate on: Russia Sanctions Legislation
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 31 Jan 2022
Russia: Sanctions

"My right hon. Friend is right that our argument is with President Putin and his cronies, not with the Russian people, but she will be aware that Russian citizens, and, indeed, many in eastern Ukraine, are able only to access Russian propaganda from state-owned or oligarch-owned media channels, while independent …..."
John Whittingdale - View Speech

View all John Whittingdale (Con - Maldon) contributions to the debate on: Russia: Sanctions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 06 Jan 2022
Russia

"My right hon. Friend has talked about massive consequences, including co-ordinated sanctions, should there be further Russian military incursions into Ukraine. Will she listen to the call of the Ukrainian ambassador that the behaviour of Russia, which she outlined in her statement, merits taking further measures now? Will she consider …..."
John Whittingdale - View Speech

View all John Whittingdale (Con - Maldon) contributions to the debate on: Russia
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 07 Dec 2021
Ukraine

"Does my hon. Friend agree that the UK has a special responsibility as a signatory of the Budapest memorandum, which guaranteed the territorial integrity of Ukraine? Indeed, Russia was also a signatory. Will the Government look to increase the support we give not just to the Ukrainian forces in the …..."
John Whittingdale - View Speech

View all John Whittingdale (Con - Maldon) contributions to the debate on: Ukraine
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 04 Feb 2020
Oral Answers to Questions

"2. What steps he is taking to support political development in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement. ..."
John Whittingdale - View Speech

View all John Whittingdale (Con - Maldon) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 04 Feb 2020
Oral Answers to Questions

"Will my right hon. Friend welcome President Zelensky’s decision to extend the visa-free regime for UK citizens for another year? Does my right hon. Friend share his ambition for Britain and Ukraine to conclude a new framework agreement as soon as possible, including possible liberalisation of the visa regime for …..."
John Whittingdale - View Speech

View all John Whittingdale (Con - Maldon) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 13 Jan 2020
Iran

"Will my right hon. Friend work closely with Ministers from the other countries that lost citizens on Ukraine International Airlines flight 752? Will he perhaps attend the joint investigation group meeting in London on Thursday, which will be attended by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister? Does he agree it is essential …..."
John Whittingdale - View Speech

View all John Whittingdale (Con - Maldon) contributions to the debate on: Iran
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 13 Jan 2020
Britain in the World

"I am most grateful to be called so early in this debate, Madam Deputy Speaker, and to follow the right hon. Member for Islington South and Finsbury (Emily Thornberry), who raised some important issues. I wish her success in the campaign she is about to embark on, and I hope …..."
John Whittingdale - View Speech

View all John Whittingdale (Con - Maldon) contributions to the debate on: Britain in the World