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.
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.
↩️ 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.
🇪🇺 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.
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🧵
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.
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.
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.
September 26, 2025 at 5:01 PM
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.
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.
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🧵
I was privileged to present the Making the UK–EU Reset Summit Count motion to Conference and change party policy.
A🧵
September 22, 2025 at 5:13 PM
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🧵
I was privileged to present the Making the UK–EU Reset Summit Count motion to Conference and change party policy.
A🧵
I was delighted to bring the Sports Minister to the Dripping Pan to see how the women’s game can be a catalyst for growth in football.
Lewes FC is showing the world what fair football looks like. Equal pay for their men’s and women’s sides is an example the FA and other clubs should follow
🧵1/4
Lewes FC is showing the world what fair football looks like. Equal pay for their men’s and women’s sides is an example the FA and other clubs should follow
🧵1/4
September 12, 2025 at 2:42 PM
I was delighted to bring the Sports Minister to the Dripping Pan to see how the women’s game can be a catalyst for growth in football.
Lewes FC is showing the world what fair football looks like. Equal pay for their men’s and women’s sides is an example the FA and other clubs should follow
🧵1/4
Lewes FC is showing the world what fair football looks like. Equal pay for their men’s and women’s sides is an example the FA and other clubs should follow
🧵1/4
Russian attacks are spreading: shopping centres in Warsaw & Vilnius torched, EU Commission President’s plane forced down by GPS jamming. I asked ministers what the UK – one of NATO’s strongest powers – will do to stand with our allies and push back.
September 10, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Russian attacks are spreading: shopping centres in Warsaw & Vilnius torched, EU Commission President’s plane forced down by GPS jamming. I asked ministers what the UK – one of NATO’s strongest powers – will do to stand with our allies and push back.
British farmers deserve better.
The Govt keeps neglecting Britain’s farmers and action is needed to save our rural communities.
From unfair family farms tax to slashing support for young farmers, they are making it harder for the next gen to survive and now they are signing dodgy deals with DJT 🧵
The Govt keeps neglecting Britain’s farmers and action is needed to save our rural communities.
From unfair family farms tax to slashing support for young farmers, they are making it harder for the next gen to survive and now they are signing dodgy deals with DJT 🧵
September 10, 2025 at 3:01 PM
British farmers deserve better.
The Govt keeps neglecting Britain’s farmers and action is needed to save our rural communities.
From unfair family farms tax to slashing support for young farmers, they are making it harder for the next gen to survive and now they are signing dodgy deals with DJT 🧵
The Govt keeps neglecting Britain’s farmers and action is needed to save our rural communities.
From unfair family farms tax to slashing support for young farmers, they are making it harder for the next gen to survive and now they are signing dodgy deals with DJT 🧵
Russia hosting Dodik in Moscow is a reminder: the Kremlin is fanning flames in the Balkans while blaming the West.
Europe must not ignore these destabilisation tactics on its doorstep.
The UK and EU must stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of this aggression.
Europe must not ignore these destabilisation tactics on its doorstep.
The UK and EU must stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of this aggression.
September 10, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Russia hosting Dodik in Moscow is a reminder: the Kremlin is fanning flames in the Balkans while blaming the West.
Europe must not ignore these destabilisation tactics on its doorstep.
The UK and EU must stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of this aggression.
Europe must not ignore these destabilisation tactics on its doorstep.
The UK and EU must stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of this aggression.
The govt claims its plans for local govt are "devolution by default" they aren't, they're centralisation by stealth.
They have a huge democratic deficit and people are worried.
They are taking power away from communities.
A 🧵 (1/5 )
They have a huge democratic deficit and people are worried.
They are taking power away from communities.
A 🧵 (1/5 )
September 3, 2025 at 1:27 PM
The govt claims its plans for local govt are "devolution by default" they aren't, they're centralisation by stealth.
They have a huge democratic deficit and people are worried.
They are taking power away from communities.
A 🧵 (1/5 )
They have a huge democratic deficit and people are worried.
They are taking power away from communities.
A 🧵 (1/5 )
🇪🇺 I asked the govt what timetable they have to rejoin Erasmus+.
It would be great for our universities & sciences – together we can do things we can’t alone.
Young people have lost life-changing chances to study & work across Europe. We must give them back.
Disappointingly they couldn’t say.
It would be great for our universities & sciences – together we can do things we can’t alone.
Young people have lost life-changing chances to study & work across Europe. We must give them back.
Disappointingly they couldn’t say.
September 2, 2025 at 3:00 PM
🇪🇺 I asked the govt what timetable they have to rejoin Erasmus+.
It would be great for our universities & sciences – together we can do things we can’t alone.
Young people have lost life-changing chances to study & work across Europe. We must give them back.
Disappointingly they couldn’t say.
It would be great for our universities & sciences – together we can do things we can’t alone.
Young people have lost life-changing chances to study & work across Europe. We must give them back.
Disappointingly they couldn’t say.
Truly incredible stuff from England. Resilient and determined with the ability when it mattered.
Congratulations to our courageous Lionesses! #Euro2025
Congratulations to our courageous Lionesses! #Euro2025
July 27, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Truly incredible stuff from England. Resilient and determined with the ability when it mattered.
Congratulations to our courageous Lionesses! #Euro2025
Congratulations to our courageous Lionesses! #Euro2025
Today is Srebrenica Memorial Day — 30 years since the horrific genocide in Bosnia. I’ve signed the Srebrenica Book of Memorial. Never again must we stand by. We must learn the lessons of the past, speak out and act against atrocities wherever they occur.
July 11, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Today is Srebrenica Memorial Day — 30 years since the horrific genocide in Bosnia. I’ve signed the Srebrenica Book of Memorial. Never again must we stand by. We must learn the lessons of the past, speak out and act against atrocities wherever they occur.
Great to meet constituents in Parliament today to talk climate action — cleaning up our rivers and oceans, investing in nature-based solutions, boosting biodiversity, and supporting active travel. I really enjoyed our discussion - thank you for making the journey to Westminster!
July 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Great to meet constituents in Parliament today to talk climate action — cleaning up our rivers and oceans, investing in nature-based solutions, boosting biodiversity, and supporting active travel. I really enjoyed our discussion - thank you for making the journey to Westminster!