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
It was great to meet Royal Marine Commandos at Parliament ahead of their deployment to Norway for a NATO exercise. They showed us their kit and spoke about the vital work they’re doing to keep us safe in an increasingly unstable world.
February 8, 2026 at 5:01 PM
It was great to meet Royal Marine Commandos at Parliament ahead of their deployment to Norway for a NATO exercise. They showed us their kit and spoke about the vital work they’re doing to keep us safe in an increasingly unstable world.
The situation in Iran is shocking. The regime’s brutal crackdown has reportedly cost tens of thousands of lives. The UK Government must go further and proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Ayatollahs’ iron fist, as a terrorist organisation.
February 8, 2026 at 2:22 PM
The situation in Iran is shocking. The regime’s brutal crackdown has reportedly cost tens of thousands of lives. The UK Government must go further and proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Ayatollahs’ iron fist, as a terrorist organisation.
Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, marking 81 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. We remember the six million Jews murdered for being Jewish and honour the survivors. As witnesses grow fewer, we must bridge generations and ensure their memories are never forgotten.
January 27, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, marking 81 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. We remember the six million Jews murdered for being Jewish and honour the survivors. As witnesses grow fewer, we must bridge generations and ensure their memories are never forgotten.
I asked the Government to commit to a new Medium Lift Helicopter contract. This is a vital capability, with Leonardo in Yeovil the only bidder. Ministers should stop waiting for the Defence Investment Plan and commit now so production can begin.
January 26, 2026 at 5:01 PM
I asked the Government to commit to a new Medium Lift Helicopter contract. This is a vital capability, with Leonardo in Yeovil the only bidder. Ministers should stop waiting for the Defence Investment Plan and commit now so production can begin.
I asked the Foreign Secretary about what she is doing to ensure the US does not violate international law from British bases.
She told me British forces always uphold international law (which I am glad to hear) but made no comment about the US or their use of our bases.
She told me British forces always uphold international law (which I am glad to hear) but made no comment about the US or their use of our bases.
January 6, 2026 at 5:19 PM
I asked the Foreign Secretary about what she is doing to ensure the US does not violate international law from British bases.
She told me British forces always uphold international law (which I am glad to hear) but made no comment about the US or their use of our bases.
She told me British forces always uphold international law (which I am glad to hear) but made no comment about the US or their use of our bases.
The Government should be worried about young people leaving Britain. They are our future. A youth mobility scheme with the EU would let young people live, work and travel across Europe without being forced to emigrate for opportunity.
January 6, 2026 at 12:54 PM
The Government should be worried about young people leaving Britain. They are our future. A youth mobility scheme with the EU would let young people live, work and travel across Europe without being forced to emigrate for opportunity.
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.
🧵
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.
🧵
🇺🇸 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.
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. 🇬🇧🇧🇦
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.
🐣 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.
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.
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.
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 🧵
☀️ 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.