What Cookies Are
Cookies are small text files that a website stores on a visitor's browser when a page is loaded. They allow the site to recognise the device on subsequent visits, retain settings between pages and gather information about how the platform is used. Cookies do not run programmes and cannot deliver viruses to a device.
Some cookies are deleted as soon as the browser is closed, while others remain in storage for a defined period. Both types may be set directly by johnstevensonmp.co.uk or by selected third parties whose services are embedded in the site.
Types of Cookies We Use
The portal favours a minimal approach and groups cookies into categories aligned with the guidance issued by the Information Commissioner's Office.
The main categories include:
- essential cookies, which are strictly necessary for navigation, security and core site functions;
- functional cookies, which remember preferences such as language, region or display settings;
- analytical cookies, which collect anonymised information about how readers interact with content;
- performance cookies, which help measure loading times and detect technical issues.
Essential cookies are placed without prior consent because the site cannot operate properly without them. All other categories are activated only after the visitor confirms their choice through the cookie banner or preference centre.
Third-Party Cookies
In addition to first-party cookies, johnstevensonmp.co.uk uses a small set of third-party tools that place their own cookies on the device. The most relevant of these is Google Analytics, used to measure aggregated traffic such as page views, sessions, country-level location and referring channels.
The third-party tools that may set cookies include:
- Google Analytics for traffic measurement and trend analysis;
- content delivery network providers for caching and performance;
- security providers used to detect and mitigate malicious traffic;
- embedded video or social widgets where present on a given page.
According to figures published by the ICO, cookie compliance remained one of the most common areas where website operators received enquiries and complaints. The portal therefore reviews the list of embedded third-party scripts on a regular basis and removes those that are no longer necessary.
Managing Cookies in Your Browser
Visitors retain full control over how cookies are stored on their device. The preferences set through the on-site cookie banner can be changed at any time. In addition, every modern browser provides built-in controls for accepting, blocking or deleting cookies.
Short guidance for the most widely used browsers:
- Google Chrome: open Settings, then Privacy and security, then Cookies and other site data, where storage rules and exceptions can be defined;
- Mozilla Firefox: open Settings, then Privacy & Security, where the Standard, Strict and Custom protection levels are available;
- Apple Safari: open Preferences, then Privacy, where the option to block all cookies or manage website data is provided;
- Microsoft Edge: open Settings, then Cookies and site permissions, where individual sites can be allowed or blocked.
Disabling some categories of cookies may affect parts of the site, for example by resetting preferences between visits or limiting the accuracy of usage analytics. Essential functionality, however, will remain available.
Updates to This Policy
The way the site uses cookies may evolve as new tools are introduced or older ones are removed. When meaningful changes occur, this page is revised and the updated version takes effect from the moment of publication. Visitors are encouraged to review the policy from time to time, particularly after major redesigns of the platform or changes in UK guidance from the Information Commissioner's Office.
Your Rights
Visitors have the right to control which cookies are stored on their device. Non-essential cookies can be disabled at any time through the browser settings — this applies to all major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge. Removing or blocking cookies does not restrict access to the content published on this site.
Contact
For any questions about this cookie policy, the third-party tools listed above or the way preferences are stored, the contact address is [email protected]. Each enquiry is handled by the editorial team in line with the principles set out in the privacy policy.
Effective Date
This policy takes effect from the date of its publication on the site. Any subsequent amendments are applied immediately upon publication of the revised version. Visitors are encouraged to review this page periodically to remain informed of any changes.
