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
🇧🇦 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...
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...