James MacCleary MP
@jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
5.9K followers 310 following 280 posts
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
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
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...
'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
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
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 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
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
🇪🇺 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.
Reposted by James MacCleary MP
eddavey.libdems.org.uk
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.
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
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 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
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
Keir Starmer says everyone in the UK will be required to have mandatory digital ID. That’s not the kind of country we want to be. Liberal Democrats have always stood up for people’s freedom and privacy, back our petition to say no to digital ID cards: www.libdems.org.uk/nodigitalid
No to Digital ID Cards!
Keir Starmer says everyone in the UK will be required to have mandatory digital ID. That’s not the kind of country we want to be. Back our petition to say no to digital ID cards.
www.libdems.org.uk
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
The fact that it has been done in other countries does not mean it is right for us. Liberal Democrats led opposition to Labour’s last attempt to force us to carry ID back in 2001 and we will do so again now.
No to Digital ID Cards!
Keir Starmer says everyone in the UK will be required to have mandatory digital ID. That’s not the kind of country we want to be. Back our petition to say no to digital ID cards.
www.libdems.org.uk
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
This plan is deeply flawed and ignores the poor records of multiple govts to protect people's data. It is also a worrying level of over-reach into our lives. While times have changed and we give up a lot of info about ourselves to companies, we have that choice, and we can withdraw that consent.
No to Digital ID Cards!
Keir Starmer says everyone in the UK will be required to have mandatory digital ID. That’s not the kind of country we want to be. Back our petition to say no to digital ID cards.
www.libdems.org.uk
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
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🧵
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
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...
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
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
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...
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
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
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.
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
So sad to hear of the passing of Sir Ming Campbell.

I met him a few times and was always struck by the incredible authority he exuded especially on foreign policy.

He was a man who had a remarkable career in a number of fields and will be greatly missed.
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
It was a privilege to present this motion and participate in our internal democratic process. Both amendments were welcome and really added to the bill.
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
The govt has promised lots but has no urgency for implementation. We need to provide certainty to UK exporters, and to UK travellers on when they will be able to use e–gates in airports across the EU.
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
I believe that strengthening our economic ties with Europe will not only boost growth at home but also insulate us from Trump’s irrational trade war.

This policy builds upon our previous work and it the first part of our four–stage approach to rebuilding our relationship with Europe.
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
There has been no progress on securing an agreement for UK touring artists.
They failed to agree mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
No progress on UK association with the European Defence Agency.
And no clarity about the EU’s Entry/Exit Scheme and the disruption it could cause.
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
And finally aligning with EU regulations to remove red tape and maintain our high standards in areas like chemicals, aviation and medicine.

It is a shame the Govt has failed to show real ambition to fix our relationship with the EU – as it continues to refuse a Customs Union and drag their feet.
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
I am pushing for the Government to be much more ambitious in rebuilding our links with the EU by calling for:

A bespoke UK–EU Customs Union by 2030
A Youth Mobility Scheme
A new Rearmament Bank with the EU
A new Security and Defence Partnership
A Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures agreement
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
The Lib Dems have been the only voices in Parliament consistently championing closer economic, defence and cultural ties with Europe, after the Tories botched deal.

I was privileged to present the Making the UK–EU Reset Summit Count motion to Conference and change party policy.

A🧵
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
I believe that strengthening our economic ties with Europe will not only boost growth at home but also insulate us from Trump’s irrational trade war.

This policy builds upon our previous work and it the first part of our four–stage approach to rebuilding our relationship with Europe.
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
There has been no progress on securing an agreement for UK touring artists.
They failed to agree mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
No progress on UK association with the European Defence Agency.
And no clarity about the EU’s Entry/Exit Scheme and the disruption it could cause.
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
And finally aligning with EU regulations to remove red tape and maintain our high standards in areas like chemicals, aviation and medicine.

It is a shame the Govt has failed to show real ambition to fix our relationship with the EU – as it continues to refuse a Customs Union and drag their feet.
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
I am pushing for the Government to be much more ambitious in rebuilding our links with the EU by calling for:

A bespoke UK–EU Customs Union by 2030
A Youth Mobility Scheme
A new Rearmament Bank with the EU
A new Security and Defence Partnership
A Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures agreement
jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
Putin is testing NATO which means he is testing us. Trump's botched meeting with the Russian leader has given the Kremlin confidence and they want to know if we can respond without US support.

The UK must lead in showing Putin that we are not toothless.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Romania becomes second Nato country to report Russian drones in airspace
Ukraine's President Zelensky called the incursion
www.bbc.co.uk