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
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...
We cannot expect to recruit and retain female soldiers if they do not feel safe. It is critical that the govt accelerate reforms to keep women safe in our armed forces. Jaysley Beck's tragic story should never be repeated.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jaysley Beck: Ex-sergeant jailed for sexual assault on soldier
Michael Webber admitted sexually assaulting Jaysley Beck, 19, who later took her own life.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 31, 2025 at 3:58 PM
We cannot expect to recruit and retain female soldiers if they do not feel safe. It is critical that the govt accelerate reforms to keep women safe in our armed forces. Jaysley Beck's tragic story should never be repeated.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
☀️ We need to transition from fossil fuels to renewables.
🏢 We don't need to put solar on prime farmland, but on dead space like rooves and car parks.
🛢️ Russia has fuelled its war with the profits from oil and gas and acted as a stark reminder of our need to transition away.
#climatechange #solar
🏢 We don't need to put solar on prime farmland, but on dead space like rooves and car parks.
🛢️ Russia has fuelled its war with the profits from oil and gas and acted as a stark reminder of our need to transition away.
#climatechange #solar
October 30, 2025 at 2:46 PM
☀️ We need to transition from fossil fuels to renewables.
🏢 We don't need to put solar on prime farmland, but on dead space like rooves and car parks.
🛢️ Russia has fuelled its war with the profits from oil and gas and acted as a stark reminder of our need to transition away.
#climatechange #solar
🏢 We don't need to put solar on prime farmland, but on dead space like rooves and car parks.
🛢️ Russia has fuelled its war with the profits from oil and gas and acted as a stark reminder of our need to transition away.
#climatechange #solar
🇨🇳 I was asked about the case of the Chinese spies in Parliament on BBC Politics Live.
👉 Labour and the Tories need to stop pointing fingers and start learning lessons to protect our democracy from hostile foreign powers, like China and Russia.
🧊 This is unfortunately only the tip of the iceberg.
👉 Labour and the Tories need to stop pointing fingers and start learning lessons to protect our democracy from hostile foreign powers, like China and Russia.
🧊 This is unfortunately only the tip of the iceberg.
October 28, 2025 at 4:31 PM
🇨🇳 I was asked about the case of the Chinese spies in Parliament on BBC Politics Live.
👉 Labour and the Tories need to stop pointing fingers and start learning lessons to protect our democracy from hostile foreign powers, like China and Russia.
🧊 This is unfortunately only the tip of the iceberg.
👉 Labour and the Tories need to stop pointing fingers and start learning lessons to protect our democracy from hostile foreign powers, like China and Russia.
🧊 This is unfortunately only the tip of the iceberg.
🌳 It was really great to visit the Lewes Climate Hub and do a Q and A for their members.
I heard their concerns about:
🪧 The right to protest
🇺🇳 The UN Special Reports for women and maritime protected areas
🎣 Bottom trawling
📝 And I signed the Make Polluters Pay pledge
I heard their concerns about:
🪧 The right to protest
🇺🇳 The UN Special Reports for women and maritime protected areas
🎣 Bottom trawling
📝 And I signed the Make Polluters Pay pledge
October 28, 2025 at 2:45 PM
🌳 It was really great to visit the Lewes Climate Hub and do a Q and A for their members.
I heard their concerns about:
🪧 The right to protest
🇺🇳 The UN Special Reports for women and maritime protected areas
🎣 Bottom trawling
📝 And I signed the Make Polluters Pay pledge
I heard their concerns about:
🪧 The right to protest
🇺🇳 The UN Special Reports for women and maritime protected areas
🎣 Bottom trawling
📝 And I signed the Make Polluters Pay pledge
🐘 The Govt refuses to engage with the elephant in the room which is the Tories' botched Brexit deal.
🤷 They are obsessed with growth, but refuse to consider the biggest thing holding Britian back.
🇪🇺 This is why the @libdems.org.uk are calling for a customs union to really reset our relationship.
🤷 They are obsessed with growth, but refuse to consider the biggest thing holding Britian back.
🇪🇺 This is why the @libdems.org.uk are calling for a customs union to really reset our relationship.
October 27, 2025 at 11:23 AM
🐘 The Govt refuses to engage with the elephant in the room which is the Tories' botched Brexit deal.
🤷 They are obsessed with growth, but refuse to consider the biggest thing holding Britian back.
🇪🇺 This is why the @libdems.org.uk are calling for a customs union to really reset our relationship.
🤷 They are obsessed with growth, but refuse to consider the biggest thing holding Britian back.
🇪🇺 This is why the @libdems.org.uk are calling for a customs union to really reset our relationship.
👧 Fantastic to visit JAGUKGROUP to celebrate the launch of their ‘Every Child, Every Opportunity’ report. Which shows the importance of the sector to families. It has been overlooked for far too long and is a crucial step in providing every child with the best start in life.
October 27, 2025 at 10:44 AM
👧 Fantastic to visit JAGUKGROUP to celebrate the launch of their ‘Every Child, Every Opportunity’ report. Which shows the importance of the sector to families. It has been overlooked for far too long and is a crucial step in providing every child with the best start in life.
↩️ It is time for Rachel Reeves to U-turn on her Family Farm Tax.
🚜 Our farmers need our help, the govt only seems able to do the opposite.
🤝 I recently met with farmers and this is not the only problem they face.
✂️ The govt has also cut essential support, farmers deserve better
🚜 Our farmers need our help, the govt only seems able to do the opposite.
🤝 I recently met with farmers and this is not the only problem they face.
✂️ The govt has also cut essential support, farmers deserve better
October 22, 2025 at 1:31 PM
↩️ It is time for Rachel Reeves to U-turn on her Family Farm Tax.
🚜 Our farmers need our help, the govt only seems able to do the opposite.
🤝 I recently met with farmers and this is not the only problem they face.
✂️ The govt has also cut essential support, farmers deserve better
🚜 Our farmers need our help, the govt only seems able to do the opposite.
🤝 I recently met with farmers and this is not the only problem they face.
✂️ The govt has also cut essential support, farmers deserve better
👨💼 I asked the Foreign Secretary about frozen Russian assets.
💷 We ned to seize them for Ukraine so Russian money can fund their resistance.
💪 If this is something that our allies are not prepared to do then we must do it on our own with the assets we have here in the UK.
💷 We ned to seize them for Ukraine so Russian money can fund their resistance.
💪 If this is something that our allies are not prepared to do then we must do it on our own with the assets we have here in the UK.
October 21, 2025 at 3:48 PM
👨💼 I asked the Foreign Secretary about frozen Russian assets.
💷 We ned to seize them for Ukraine so Russian money can fund their resistance.
💪 If this is something that our allies are not prepared to do then we must do it on our own with the assets we have here in the UK.
💷 We ned to seize them for Ukraine so Russian money can fund their resistance.
💪 If this is something that our allies are not prepared to do then we must do it on our own with the assets we have here in the UK.
✉️ I have signed @alisonebennett.bsky.social's letter to Wes Streeting about the crisis facing our hospices.
They offer extraordinary dignity, comfort and peace for people in their final months. Yet they are expected to raise ever higher sums whilst the govt taxes them more.
People deserve better.
They offer extraordinary dignity, comfort and peace for people in their final months. Yet they are expected to raise ever higher sums whilst the govt taxes them more.
People deserve better.
October 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM
✉️ I have signed @alisonebennett.bsky.social's letter to Wes Streeting about the crisis facing our hospices.
They offer extraordinary dignity, comfort and peace for people in their final months. Yet they are expected to raise ever higher sums whilst the govt taxes them more.
People deserve better.
They offer extraordinary dignity, comfort and peace for people in their final months. Yet they are expected to raise ever higher sums whilst the govt taxes them more.
People deserve better.
Another security breach at a UK military base. Lessons haven't been learnt after the high profile break in at Brize Norton.
We need a full investigation into this incident at Larkhill and the govt should commission a review into security at all UK bases and assets.
news.sky.com/story/securi...
We need a full investigation into this incident at Larkhill and the govt should commission a review into security at all UK bases and assets.
news.sky.com/story/securi...
'Security breach' as intruders cut fence to steal fuel from Larkhill Camp army garrison
The incident happened on Saturday, with the fuel stolen from a tanker belonging to a civilian contractor.
news.sky.com
October 7, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Another security breach at a UK military base. Lessons haven't been learnt after the high profile break in at Brize Norton.
We need a full investigation into this incident at Larkhill and the govt should commission a review into security at all UK bases and assets.
news.sky.com/story/securi...
We need a full investigation into this incident at Larkhill and the govt should commission a review into security at all UK bases and assets.
news.sky.com/story/securi...
Our sanctions against Russia have to be watertight and they clearly are not.
British-made parts being used in drones to kill Ukrainian civilians is appalling.
We must do more to slam shut the back doors that Russia is using to keep their war machine going.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
British-made parts being used in drones to kill Ukrainian civilians is appalling.
We must do more to slam shut the back doors that Russia is using to keep their war machine going.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
British parts found in Russian drones, Zelesnky says
The Ukrainian leader says British-made microcomputers were used in weapons launched at Ukraine this weekend.
www.bbc.com
October 6, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Our sanctions against Russia have to be watertight and they clearly are not.
British-made parts being used in drones to kill Ukrainian civilians is appalling.
We must do more to slam shut the back doors that Russia is using to keep their war machine going.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
British-made parts being used in drones to kill Ukrainian civilians is appalling.
We must do more to slam shut the back doors that Russia is using to keep their war machine going.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
🇪🇺 I had the privilege to be on the UK delegation to the Council of Europe.
🕊️ I talked about democracy in Russia being a prerequisite for lasting peace in Europe.
🔭 It may seem far off, but we must start laying the groundwork to support the Russian people now, otherwise it will never happen.
🕊️ I talked about democracy in Russia being a prerequisite for lasting peace in Europe.
🔭 It may seem far off, but we must start laying the groundwork to support the Russian people now, otherwise it will never happen.
October 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM
🇪🇺 I had the privilege to be on the UK delegation to the Council of Europe.
🕊️ I talked about democracy in Russia being a prerequisite for lasting peace in Europe.
🔭 It may seem far off, but we must start laying the groundwork to support the Russian people now, otherwise it will never happen.
🕊️ I talked about democracy in Russia being a prerequisite for lasting peace in Europe.
🔭 It may seem far off, but we must start laying the groundwork to support the Russian people now, otherwise it will never happen.
Reposted by James MacCleary MP
Horrified and appalled by the attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
My thoughts are with the victims, our brave emergency services and the entire Jewish community.
My thoughts are with the victims, our brave emergency services and the entire Jewish community.
October 2, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Horrified and appalled by the attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
My thoughts are with the victims, our brave emergency services and the entire Jewish community.
My thoughts are with the victims, our brave emergency services and the entire Jewish community.
Congratulations to President Sandu and everyone involved with winning the election in Moldova under intense interference from Russia.
The EU must redouble its work to get Moldovan (and Ukrainian) accession moving.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
The EU must redouble its work to get Moldovan (and Ukrainian) accession moving.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
The pro-European party won Moldova’s election but obstacles to join the EU remain
Russia’s campaign to amplify societal distrust continues as membership talks have stalled
www.theguardian.com
September 29, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Congratulations to President Sandu and everyone involved with winning the election in Moldova under intense interference from Russia.
The EU must redouble its work to get Moldovan (and Ukrainian) accession moving.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
The EU must redouble its work to get Moldovan (and Ukrainian) accession moving.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
I have been very clear; I cannot support Labour's Digital ID plan.
I do not believe that citizens should have to hand over their private data just to go about their daily lives. Do we really want to become a “papers please” society for a gimmick that will fail to tackle illegal immigration?
A🧵
I do not believe that citizens should have to hand over their private data just to go about their daily lives. Do we really want to become a “papers please” society for a gimmick that will fail to tackle illegal immigration?
A🧵
September 29, 2025 at 4:36 PM
I have been very clear; I cannot support Labour's Digital ID plan.
I do not believe that citizens should have to hand over their private data just to go about their daily lives. Do we really want to become a “papers please” society for a gimmick that will fail to tackle illegal immigration?
A🧵
I do not believe that citizens should have to hand over their private data just to go about their daily lives. Do we really want to become a “papers please” society for a gimmick that will fail to tackle illegal immigration?
A🧵
Tomorrow is a big day for Europe in one of its smallest countries.
Russia has not been subtle about interfering in the Moldovan election. There's been disinformation and attempts to bribe voters.
I wish President Maia Sandu the best of luck in this key vote.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Russia has not been subtle about interfering in the Moldovan election. There's been disinformation and attempts to bribe voters.
I wish President Maia Sandu the best of luck in this key vote.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Moldova holds key election as Russia's shadow looms large
The country has accused Moscow of election interference on an unprecedented scale.
www.bbc.com
September 27, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Tomorrow is a big day for Europe in one of its smallest countries.
Russia has not been subtle about interfering in the Moldovan election. There's been disinformation and attempts to bribe voters.
I wish President Maia Sandu the best of luck in this key vote.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Russia has not been subtle about interfering in the Moldovan election. There's been disinformation and attempts to bribe voters.
I wish President Maia Sandu the best of luck in this key vote.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
It's 10 months since I introduced a Bill into parliament for a youth mobility scheme with EU countries.
Since then we've had warm words but no action. Again we're short of detail.
I hope this isn't another damp squib because our young people deserve better.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Since then we've had warm words but no action. Again we're short of detail.
I hope this isn't another damp squib because our young people deserve better.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reeves pushes for EU youth migration scheme ahead of Budget
The chancellor calls for an 'ambitious' deal as she looks to boost growth ahead of the 26 November Budget.
www.bbc.com
September 27, 2025 at 10:48 AM
It's 10 months since I introduced a Bill into parliament for a youth mobility scheme with EU countries.
Since then we've had warm words but no action. Again we're short of detail.
I hope this isn't another damp squib because our young people deserve better.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Since then we've had warm words but no action. Again we're short of detail.
I hope this isn't another damp squib because our young people deserve better.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Great to be on the sofa to record BBC Politics South East today for broadcast on Sunday.
We talked about digital ID, possible closure of a sexual health clinic in Lewes and party conference season.
Pleasure to be joined by Tris Osborne MP, Cllr Lizzie Hacking and Dr Olivia Hum.
We talked about digital ID, possible closure of a sexual health clinic in Lewes and party conference season.
Pleasure to be joined by Tris Osborne MP, Cllr Lizzie Hacking and Dr Olivia Hum.
September 26, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Great to be on the sofa to record BBC Politics South East today for broadcast on Sunday.
We talked about digital ID, possible closure of a sexual health clinic in Lewes and party conference season.
Pleasure to be joined by Tris Osborne MP, Cllr Lizzie Hacking and Dr Olivia Hum.
We talked about digital ID, possible closure of a sexual health clinic in Lewes and party conference season.
Pleasure to be joined by Tris Osborne MP, Cllr Lizzie Hacking and Dr Olivia Hum.