James MacCleary MP
@jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven, Polegate, Willingdon, Stone Cross and beautiful Sussex villages. Defence Spokesperson.
Published and promoted by Lewes Lib Dems on behalf of J. MacCleary (Liberal Democrat) at 54 Cliffe High Street, Lewes
Published and promoted by Lewes Lib Dems on behalf of J. MacCleary (Liberal Democrat) at 54 Cliffe High Street, Lewes
The UK has rejected access to the EU’s €150bn SAFE defence fund - a serious mistake.
At a time of increased aggression from Russia and other hostile powers, turning away from coordinated European rearmament is deeply short-sighted.
🧵
At a time of increased aggression from Russia and other hostile powers, turning away from coordinated European rearmament is deeply short-sighted.
🧵
December 19, 2025 at 4:47 PM
The UK has rejected access to the EU’s €150bn SAFE defence fund - a serious mistake.
At a time of increased aggression from Russia and other hostile powers, turning away from coordinated European rearmament is deeply short-sighted.
🧵
At a time of increased aggression from Russia and other hostile powers, turning away from coordinated European rearmament is deeply short-sighted.
🧵
It is great to see the govt inching in the right direction on Europe.
Joining the Erasmus scheme is just common sense and is something the @libdems.org.uk have been calling for.
The next step is to establish a new Youth Mobility Scheme with the EU.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Joining the Erasmus scheme is just common sense and is something the @libdems.org.uk have been calling for.
The next step is to establish a new Youth Mobility Scheme with the EU.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Erasmus scheme to return for UK students, BBC understands
The UK had ended its participation in the scheme in 2020 after agreeing a Brexit deal with the EU.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 8:26 PM
It is great to see the govt inching in the right direction on Europe.
Joining the Erasmus scheme is just common sense and is something the @libdems.org.uk have been calling for.
The next step is to establish a new Youth Mobility Scheme with the EU.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Joining the Erasmus scheme is just common sense and is something the @libdems.org.uk have been calling for.
The next step is to establish a new Youth Mobility Scheme with the EU.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by James MacCleary MP
The Foreign Secretary must summon the Chinese Ambassador to demand Jimmy Lai's immediate release and the quashing of this trumped-up conviction.
The CCP is hell-bent on suppressing civil liberties & the rule of law in Hong Kong. The UK has a unique obligation to act.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The CCP is hell-bent on suppressing civil liberties & the rule of law in Hong Kong. The UK has a unique obligation to act.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jimmy Lai: Hong Kong tycoon found guilty in high-profile national security case
The 78-year-old UK citizen was convicted of lobbying foreign governments to impose sanctions on HK and China.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 12:47 PM
The Foreign Secretary must summon the Chinese Ambassador to demand Jimmy Lai's immediate release and the quashing of this trumped-up conviction.
The CCP is hell-bent on suppressing civil liberties & the rule of law in Hong Kong. The UK has a unique obligation to act.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The CCP is hell-bent on suppressing civil liberties & the rule of law in Hong Kong. The UK has a unique obligation to act.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
🇺🇸 The US National Security Strategy is a dystopian document.
🇪🇺 It is an attack on European democracies from a government led by a man who has a poor track record on respecting election results.
🇬🇧 The UK government must stand up to this baseless attack on democracy here at home, and across Europe.
🇪🇺 It is an attack on European democracies from a government led by a man who has a poor track record on respecting election results.
🇬🇧 The UK government must stand up to this baseless attack on democracy here at home, and across Europe.
December 15, 2025 at 12:23 PM
🇺🇸 The US National Security Strategy is a dystopian document.
🇪🇺 It is an attack on European democracies from a government led by a man who has a poor track record on respecting election results.
🇬🇧 The UK government must stand up to this baseless attack on democracy here at home, and across Europe.
🇪🇺 It is an attack on European democracies from a government led by a man who has a poor track record on respecting election results.
🇬🇧 The UK government must stand up to this baseless attack on democracy here at home, and across Europe.
The President of Venezuela is for the Venezuelan people to choose, not the US President
Maduro has no legitimacy, having no evidence for his election “win”. But that doesn't justify Trump’s actions in the Caribbean.
The US is acting with impunity, taking lives without evidence.
Maduro has no legitimacy, having no evidence for his election “win”. But that doesn't justify Trump’s actions in the Caribbean.
The US is acting with impunity, taking lives without evidence.
December 11, 2025 at 10:46 AM
The President of Venezuela is for the Venezuelan people to choose, not the US President
Maduro has no legitimacy, having no evidence for his election “win”. But that doesn't justify Trump’s actions in the Caribbean.
The US is acting with impunity, taking lives without evidence.
Maduro has no legitimacy, having no evidence for his election “win”. But that doesn't justify Trump’s actions in the Caribbean.
The US is acting with impunity, taking lives without evidence.
Parliament has just voted to cut Brexit red tape - passed on a knife-edge after the Speaker’s tie-breaking vote.
My Lib Dem colleague @alpinkerton.bsky.social's Ten Minute Rule Bill calls for a bespoke UK–EU Customs Union. It’s the right move to fix our trade relationship with the EU.
My Lib Dem colleague @alpinkerton.bsky.social's Ten Minute Rule Bill calls for a bespoke UK–EU Customs Union. It’s the right move to fix our trade relationship with the EU.
December 9, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Parliament has just voted to cut Brexit red tape - passed on a knife-edge after the Speaker’s tie-breaking vote.
My Lib Dem colleague @alpinkerton.bsky.social's Ten Minute Rule Bill calls for a bespoke UK–EU Customs Union. It’s the right move to fix our trade relationship with the EU.
My Lib Dem colleague @alpinkerton.bsky.social's Ten Minute Rule Bill calls for a bespoke UK–EU Customs Union. It’s the right move to fix our trade relationship with the EU.
The Ajax tank is 9 years late, injuring our soldiers and costing £6.3bn. This isn’t good enough. I’ve asked the Government what contingency plans exist if Ajax slips further so we can still meet our NATO commitments. As the US pulls away we must be ready to protect ourselves.
December 9, 2025 at 1:49 PM
The Ajax tank is 9 years late, injuring our soldiers and costing £6.3bn. This isn’t good enough. I’ve asked the Government what contingency plans exist if Ajax slips further so we can still meet our NATO commitments. As the US pulls away we must be ready to protect ourselves.
It was a real privilege to meet Željko Komšić, the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia is a country that rarely receives much international attention, but its success is crucial for peace and security in the Balkans.
Bosnia is a country that rarely receives much international attention, but its success is crucial for peace and security in the Balkans.
December 8, 2025 at 11:46 AM
It was a real privilege to meet Željko Komšić, the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia is a country that rarely receives much international attention, but its success is crucial for peace and security in the Balkans.
Bosnia is a country that rarely receives much international attention, but its success is crucial for peace and security in the Balkans.
A positive step with Norway, but not enough. With rising Russian activity, Britain needs a long-term, properly funded maritime strategy and deeper European cooperation to defend our critical undersea cables and restore credible UK capability.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK and Norway form naval alliance to hunt Russian submarines
The partnership aims to protect undersea cables, which Western officials say face increased threat from Moscow.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 5:38 PM
A positive step with Norway, but not enough. With rising Russian activity, Britain needs a long-term, properly funded maritime strategy and deeper European cooperation to defend our critical undersea cables and restore credible UK capability.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We are in an increasingly unstable world. Russia is waging its hybrid war on the West and meddling in our elections.
Meanwhile they continue to fight their war in Ukraine.
China is also getting ever bolder, and we are seeing instability across the Middle East and Africa.
Meanwhile they continue to fight their war in Ukraine.
China is also getting ever bolder, and we are seeing instability across the Middle East and Africa.
December 3, 2025 at 5:06 PM
We are in an increasingly unstable world. Russia is waging its hybrid war on the West and meddling in our elections.
Meanwhile they continue to fight their war in Ukraine.
China is also getting ever bolder, and we are seeing instability across the Middle East and Africa.
Meanwhile they continue to fight their war in Ukraine.
China is also getting ever bolder, and we are seeing instability across the Middle East and Africa.
🇧🇦 Bosnia is on the front line of Russia’s hybrid war.
🇷🇺 Putin-backed Republika Srpska is destabilising the region.
🇬🇧 The UK left the peacekeeping mission Operation Althea during Brexit - we need to return.
Time to rejoin this vital mission and secure peace. 🇬🇧🇧🇦
🇷🇺 Putin-backed Republika Srpska is destabilising the region.
🇬🇧 The UK left the peacekeeping mission Operation Althea during Brexit - we need to return.
Time to rejoin this vital mission and secure peace. 🇬🇧🇧🇦
November 20, 2025 at 5:14 PM
🇧🇦 Bosnia is on the front line of Russia’s hybrid war.
🇷🇺 Putin-backed Republika Srpska is destabilising the region.
🇬🇧 The UK left the peacekeeping mission Operation Althea during Brexit - we need to return.
Time to rejoin this vital mission and secure peace. 🇬🇧🇧🇦
🇷🇺 Putin-backed Republika Srpska is destabilising the region.
🇬🇧 The UK left the peacekeeping mission Operation Althea during Brexit - we need to return.
Time to rejoin this vital mission and secure peace. 🇬🇧🇧🇦
I have written to the Justice Secretary to ask for clear, unambiguous assurance that no one has been wrongly released from HMP Lewes, that thorough checks have been carried out, and that safeguards are strong enough to prevent this from ever happening.
'Urgent assurances' for Sussex prison needed following 'national scandal'
An MP is demanding "urgent assurances" for a prison following the "national scandal" of two prisoners being erroneously released
www.theargus.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 4:30 PM
I have written to the Justice Secretary to ask for clear, unambiguous assurance that no one has been wrongly released from HMP Lewes, that thorough checks have been carried out, and that safeguards are strong enough to prevent this from ever happening.
Half of veterans report mental health problems, but the support just isn't there.
There is a huge problem with substance abuse and homelessness among veterans. Mental health is often the cause.
We owe them a huge debt and as a society we must look after them better.
There is a huge problem with substance abuse and homelessness among veterans. Mental health is often the cause.
We owe them a huge debt and as a society we must look after them better.
November 19, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Half of veterans report mental health problems, but the support just isn't there.
There is a huge problem with substance abuse and homelessness among veterans. Mental health is often the cause.
We owe them a huge debt and as a society we must look after them better.
There is a huge problem with substance abuse and homelessness among veterans. Mental health is often the cause.
We owe them a huge debt and as a society we must look after them better.
Reposted by James MacCleary MP
The government say there needs to be strong justification for delaying Sussec council elections again. I hope they will tell Sussex Tories that wanting to cling onto power isn’t that. It’s time for elections, it’s time for change in Sussex. Read their reply to my call for votes to go ahead 👇
November 15, 2025 at 7:29 PM
The government say there needs to be strong justification for delaying Sussec council elections again. I hope they will tell Sussex Tories that wanting to cling onto power isn’t that. It’s time for elections, it’s time for change in Sussex. Read their reply to my call for votes to go ahead 👇
I’ve written to the Def Sec following today’s damning Public Accounts Cmmt findings on the Afghan data breach. The Cmmt says Govt has "not given [it] confidence sufficient action has yet been taken” to stop this happening again. We need an independent inquiry - and real accountability.
November 14, 2025 at 5:26 PM
I’ve written to the Def Sec following today’s damning Public Accounts Cmmt findings on the Afghan data breach. The Cmmt says Govt has "not given [it] confidence sufficient action has yet been taken” to stop this happening again. We need an independent inquiry - and real accountability.
The MOD’s own figures are damning: 67% of servicewomen faced sexualised behaviour last year, and nearly a third thought about leaving as a result. Britain cannot defend itself if it cannot protect the women who serve. Time for real change and proper accountability.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Two-thirds of military women experienced sexual harassment, survey says
The behaviours include comments about their appearance, harassment, leering and groping, according to a survey.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 7:30 AM
The MOD’s own figures are damning: 67% of servicewomen faced sexualised behaviour last year, and nearly a third thought about leaving as a result. Britain cannot defend itself if it cannot protect the women who serve. Time for real change and proper accountability.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
🐣 We need to End the Cage Age.
I was really pleased to attend Compassion in World Farming's event in Parliament, alongside my fellow Lib Dem MPs Victoria Collins and Lisa Smart.
🐔 We must act to ensure hens are kept in suitable spaces, and not in cages the size of an A4 sheet of paper.
I was really pleased to attend Compassion in World Farming's event in Parliament, alongside my fellow Lib Dem MPs Victoria Collins and Lisa Smart.
🐔 We must act to ensure hens are kept in suitable spaces, and not in cages the size of an A4 sheet of paper.
November 13, 2025 at 4:49 PM
🐣 We need to End the Cage Age.
I was really pleased to attend Compassion in World Farming's event in Parliament, alongside my fellow Lib Dem MPs Victoria Collins and Lisa Smart.
🐔 We must act to ensure hens are kept in suitable spaces, and not in cages the size of an A4 sheet of paper.
I was really pleased to attend Compassion in World Farming's event in Parliament, alongside my fellow Lib Dem MPs Victoria Collins and Lisa Smart.
🐔 We must act to ensure hens are kept in suitable spaces, and not in cages the size of an A4 sheet of paper.
This is really welcome news but why they ruled it out in the first place is a mystery.
I will keep pressing the govt to agree to fair compensation for Waspi women who have been let down so badly.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I will keep pressing the govt to agree to fair compensation for Waspi women who have been let down so badly.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Government to rethink rejection of Waspi compensation
Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden says that the rethink does not mean that payouts will necessarily follow.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 8:11 PM
This is really welcome news but why they ruled it out in the first place is a mystery.
I will keep pressing the govt to agree to fair compensation for Waspi women who have been let down so badly.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I will keep pressing the govt to agree to fair compensation for Waspi women who have been let down so badly.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We were promised that the proceeds from the Chelsea FC sale would support Ukraine.
Instead, there are alarming signs that only a fraction is accounted for. This is unacceptable.
The Government must act now, and use every legal tool available, to get this money to Ukraine where it is urgently needed.
Instead, there are alarming signs that only a fraction is accounted for. This is unacceptable.
The Government must act now, and use every legal tool available, to get this money to Ukraine where it is urgently needed.
November 10, 2025 at 5:40 PM
We were promised that the proceeds from the Chelsea FC sale would support Ukraine.
Instead, there are alarming signs that only a fraction is accounted for. This is unacceptable.
The Government must act now, and use every legal tool available, to get this money to Ukraine where it is urgently needed.
Instead, there are alarming signs that only a fraction is accounted for. This is unacceptable.
The Government must act now, and use every legal tool available, to get this money to Ukraine where it is urgently needed.
This is a snapshot of our future that shows why the UK must step up to counter these threats.
War is no longer just ships and planes, it is drones and cyber too.
As we spend more on our armed forces it is critical that these new threats are recognised.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
War is no longer just ships and planes, it is drones and cyber too.
As we spend more on our armed forces it is critical that these new threats are recognised.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK military to help protect Belgium after suspected Russian drone incursions
Sir Richard Knighton, the UK military chief, says his Belgian counterpart requested assistance in the form of personnel and equipment this week.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 5:36 PM
This is a snapshot of our future that shows why the UK must step up to counter these threats.
War is no longer just ships and planes, it is drones and cyber too.
As we spend more on our armed forces it is critical that these new threats are recognised.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
War is no longer just ships and planes, it is drones and cyber too.
As we spend more on our armed forces it is critical that these new threats are recognised.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I had the honour of going to Remembrance services in Lewes and Ringmer.
2025 marks 80 years since WW2 ended in Europe. As we remember those who gave their lives for us, we must be aware of the threats to our freedom we see today as our world feels more unstable than ever.
We will remember them.
2025 marks 80 years since WW2 ended in Europe. As we remember those who gave their lives for us, we must be aware of the threats to our freedom we see today as our world feels more unstable than ever.
We will remember them.
November 9, 2025 at 1:56 PM
I had the honour of going to Remembrance services in Lewes and Ringmer.
2025 marks 80 years since WW2 ended in Europe. As we remember those who gave their lives for us, we must be aware of the threats to our freedom we see today as our world feels more unstable than ever.
We will remember them.
2025 marks 80 years since WW2 ended in Europe. As we remember those who gave their lives for us, we must be aware of the threats to our freedom we see today as our world feels more unstable than ever.
We will remember them.
Out of such a horrifying attack, it is really great to see the bravery and selflessness of ordinary British people shine through.
Thank you Sam. You have put yourself in harm's way and saved lives. You deserve all the praise coming your way.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Thank you Sam. You have put yourself in harm's way and saved lives. You deserve all the praise coming your way.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Samir Zitouni named as train hero who saved lives during attack
The family of rail worker Samir Zitouni say they are
www.bbc.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Out of such a horrifying attack, it is really great to see the bravery and selflessness of ordinary British people shine through.
Thank you Sam. You have put yourself in harm's way and saved lives. You deserve all the praise coming your way.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Thank you Sam. You have put yourself in harm's way and saved lives. You deserve all the praise coming your way.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I asked the Foreign Secretary about the Russian shadow fleet that is smuggling oil and gas across the world, funding Putin's barbaric war.
76% Russian Gas is shipped on a UK owned or insured vessels. This is £45 billion worth of gas. This is huge for Russia's budget 🧵
76% Russian Gas is shipped on a UK owned or insured vessels. This is £45 billion worth of gas. This is huge for Russia's budget 🧵
November 4, 2025 at 3:05 PM
I asked the Foreign Secretary about the Russian shadow fleet that is smuggling oil and gas across the world, funding Putin's barbaric war.
76% Russian Gas is shipped on a UK owned or insured vessels. This is £45 billion worth of gas. This is huge for Russia's budget 🧵
76% Russian Gas is shipped on a UK owned or insured vessels. This is £45 billion worth of gas. This is huge for Russia's budget 🧵
I really welcome this. Scaling up our military strength is not just about tanks and ships.
It is also about morale.
Our troops could be asked to put their lives on the line to protect us. The least we can do is give them somewhere decent to live.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
It is also about morale.
Our troops could be asked to put their lives on the line to protect us. The least we can do is give them somewhere decent to live.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Ministry of Defence to spend £9bn renovating military housing
The poor state of military housing has been a consistent complaint among serving personnel in recent years.
www.bbc.com
November 2, 2025 at 8:31 AM
I really welcome this. Scaling up our military strength is not just about tanks and ships.
It is also about morale.
Our troops could be asked to put their lives on the line to protect us. The least we can do is give them somewhere decent to live.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
It is also about morale.
Our troops could be asked to put their lives on the line to protect us. The least we can do is give them somewhere decent to live.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
A horrifying incident overnight. I really hope the nine people injured make a full recovery.
Good to hear that police have the suspects in custody.
So concerning to hear about another serious knife-related incident.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cm...
Good to hear that police have the suspects in custody.
So concerning to hear about another serious knife-related incident.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cm...
Nine people with life-threatening injuries after stabbings on Doncaster-London train - latest
Two people have been arrested and police - after declaring it a major incident - say counter-terrorism officers are supporting the investigation.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 2, 2025 at 7:23 AM
A horrifying incident overnight. I really hope the nine people injured make a full recovery.
Good to hear that police have the suspects in custody.
So concerning to hear about another serious knife-related incident.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cm...
Good to hear that police have the suspects in custody.
So concerning to hear about another serious knife-related incident.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cm...