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Max Wilkinson MP

@maxwilkinson.bsky.social
2.7K followers 101 following 431 posts

MP for Cheltenham Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home Affairs

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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The Golden Valley development has come from strong local work. It will generate thousands of jobs locally & contribute to national cyber security. I asked the First Secretary of State to recognise this local investment & allow proceeds to remain in our community, instead of swiped away to Whitehall.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
“We need urgent action to save our democracy.” That’s what I told @lbc.co.uk over the weekend when asked about the massive donations to Farage’s Reform party. The government must act now to stop US-style big money buying our politics.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I asked the Health Secretary to intervene in the planning system so people in conservation areas like Cheltenham can cool their homes in hot summers. It’s a health risk that will only get worse. I’m not convinced by her reply, particularly the suggestion we all go to the local community centre.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
👨‍🦲👩‍🦲🧑‍🦲
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
We must all refuse to allow the hatred and violence against women and girls from the so-called manosphere online to leech out into the real world. 2/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Women and girls deserve to feel and be safe when going about their lives. I've written to Gloucestershire Constabulary to ask that hotspots for anti-social and misogynistic behaviour in Cheltenham be more frequently patrolled. 1/2
Supt. James Glansfield
Cheltenham & Tewkesbury LPA Commander
Crime Prevention & Neighbourhood Policing Lead
Gloucestershire Constabulary
08 September 2026
Dear James
Violence Against Women and Girls and Safer Streets Patrols in Cheltenham
I am writing regarding the ongoing challenge of violence against women and girls in Cheltenham and the importance of maintaining a visible and proactive police presence in areas where concerns have been raised by local residents.
Recent discussions with Gloucestershire Constabulary have underlined the seriousness with which the force approaches offences involving the harassment and intimidation of women. I welcome the steps that are taken to monitor individuals who may present a risk and to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the public.
However, this issue extends beyond any individual case. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most significant public safety concerns facing our communities and it demands continued attention from all those responsible for keeping people safe.
I have received reports from local residents regarding anti-social and intimidating behaviour towards women, particularly during the early morning hours. Concerns have been raised about several locations in Cheltenham, including the Lower High Street, The Brewery area and Swindon Road Car Park. These are places through which many women travel on their way to work and to public transport links at times when streets can be relatively quiet and individuals may feel particularly vulnerable.
I have consistently argued that tackling violence against women and girls must be treated as a priority. I strongly endorse the ambition to dramatically reduce such offences and I have been proud to support local initiatives and community campaigns that seek to make Cheltenham a safer place for women and girls. Public confidence depends not only on effective enforcement but also on a visible commitment to prevention and reassurance.For that reason, I am keen to see a sustained and visible police presence in known hotspot areas and at times when concerns are most frequently raised. Visible patrols help deter offending, reassure residents and demonstrate that reports from the community are being taken seriously.
I know that Gloucestershire Constabulary recognises the importance of this issue and I look forward to seeing evidence of continued patrol activity and operational focus in these locations, particularly during the early morning periods identified by local residents.
Please could you confirm that officers will be present in the coming weeks to disrupt this unacceptable behaviour at the known times in identified hotspots?
Thank you for your continued service to our community and for the work undertaken by officers across Cheltenham to keep people safe.
Yours sincerely
Max Wilkinson MP
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
That means looking after our town centre, solving fire service funding problems and working on a plan for a new waste and recycling centre for Cheltenham. 2/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Cheltenham council is still being abolished, but after an announcement by the government this week we don’t know when! I asked the Secretary of State this week to let Gloucestershire get on with the process so councils can get on with planning to protect vital services. 1/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
I asked her to look into the matter, with the aim of preventing the proposed overnight closure of Cheltenham West fire station. 2/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The First Secretary of State told MPs that fire services need more support. I reminded her that Gloucestershire Fire And Rescue Service stands ready to support neighbouring areas suffering wildfires, but that it is suffering extreme financial pressures. 1/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Why have pensioners been effectively trapped for four months on the upper floors of a block of flats in Cheltenham town centre? Because Remus, Fexco and Sarum - the companies in charge of fixing the lift - are failing to do their job.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Live on Reddit answering Cheltenham’s questions 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻 Join me here: www.reddit.com/r/cheltenham...
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
🏥 🏥 🏥 Huge news to report about the Big Space Cancer Appeal! Cheltenham Borough Council has given planning approval for the development to go ahead. Massive congratulations to everyone who has contributed so far. Let’s give one last push to get this over the line: justgiving.com/campaign/the...
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Reposted by Max Wilkinson MP
Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 20/08/2026
Brexit promised control. Instead, small boat crossings soared and taxpayers face a £5bn bill. A returns deal with Europe could stop the boats and restore control. @maxwilkinson.bsky.social
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
I’ll have a limited amount of time, but I’ll do my best to get through as many questions as I can. Not on Reddit? I'm also hosting a Facebook Live on my page from 5.30pm on Wednesday (26th): www.facebook.com/MaxWilkinson... Looking forward to taking your questions! 2/2
facebook.com
Facebook
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
The first of my Ask Me Anything sessions is happening on Reddit tomorrow (24th) from 5.30pm. If you live in Cheltenham, you can ask questions about issues relating to the town, my work as your MP, national politics, or anything else you’d like to put to me, here: www.reddit.com/r/cheltenham... 1/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
I've made it clear that any reduction in service to our town is unacceptable. If you feel the same, please make your voice heard by taking part in the consultation here: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/glosfire/abo... 2/2
gloucestershire.gov.uk
Background | Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Funding pressures from above could mean that the fire station in north west Cheltenham will not be manned overnight. Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and the County Council have launched a public consultation about this proposed plan. 1/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
I enjoyed Parkrun again today. Thanks as always to the organisers and volunteers. I’m acutely aware that the grass at Pittville Park shouldn’t look like this. It’s a clear reminder of the need to redouble efforts to tackle climate change. Short term, let’s all be careful not to create fire risks.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
On #SevereMEDay, I stand with everyone living with severe ME and their loved ones. No one should be left without the care, understanding or support they need. The Government must do more to fund research, improve services and end the neglect of people with ME #MissingMillions #DisabilityRights
A dark blue graphic supporting Severe ME Day 2026 on 8 August 2026. It explains that Severe ME is a devastating, complex and life-limiting illness, notes that many people are housebound or bedbound, and calls for greater awareness and action. A highlighted statement says, “I stand with everyone affected by Severe ME and their families.” On the right is a quote from Max Wilkinson MP, Member of Parliament for Cheltenham, calling for meaningful government action and better care and support. Along the bottom are logos and website addresses for The ME Association, Action for M.E., ME Research UK, The 25% ME Group, and #MEAction UK.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
It’s time for the Cheltenham Cricket Festival - the oldest cricket festival in the world starts this weekend. You can get your tickets here: www.gloscricket.co.uk/towergate-ch...
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
I’ll push nationally for meaningful regulation of the property management and leasehold management sector too. I’m grateful to everyone who turned up to share their stories. If you’re getting a raw deal from First Port, let me know in the comments below and email max.wilkinson.mp@parliament.uk 3/3
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
It’s clear that the company is in too many cases not fulfilling its role and residents are getting a raw deal. Our action group will look to get results locally from First Port while it remains in charge of Cheltenham properties. 2/3
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
FIRST PORT - UPDATE I’m genuinely shocked by what I heard last night. We are forming the Cheltenham First Port Action Group. This follows ongoing and significant concerns about the way First Port conducts business in Cheltenham. Many serious concerns were raised at the public meeting I hosted. 1/3
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Parliament has broken up for the summer, but my work continues in Cheltenham….starting with the nation’s most successful free public health initiative: parkrun. Thanks to all the volunteers and runners for a warm welcome in Pittville Park.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
My question to the Secretary of State today, following the news Cheltenham council will be abolished and replaced by a single council for the whole of Gloucestershire. I remain concerned about the future delivery of local services.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
I will continue to fight for a fair deal out of this government for Cheltenham - from closing the funding gap in our schools to filling the black hole in the council’s pothole budget. 2/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
When Andy Burnham takes office, he will say much about empowering regions and local communities. But, as I told BBC Politics West this week, there is more outside London than Manchester. 1/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
It’s a brilliant example of a locally led initiative, which started in our local council and now has the attention of government. You can read more about the development here: www.goldenvalleyuk.com/additional-i... 2/2
goldenvalleyuk.com
Spades in the ground at £1bn Golden Valley development in Cheltenham — GOLDEN VALLEY
Golden Valley has commenced construction on the first phase – a £1 billion cyber and technology campus in Cheltenham which will be central to driving growth and innovation in UK National Security and ...
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
After years of build-up it was great to be on-site to break ground at the Golden Valley UK development on Friday. The site will generate thousands of jobs in cyber & tech for Cheltenham, while helping our nation’s defence & resilience. 1/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Six weeks ago Robert Jenrick asked “where are we?” I told him. Now, I’ve used his words as a reminder of how the Brexit failures of the Tories and Reform are contributing to ruined holidays for British people. He’s been in both parties - so he’ll be well aware of the mess that’s been created.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
We shouldn’t indulge Nigel Farage’s tantrum. We are challenging Labour, the Tories and the Green Party to step aside so Nigel looks daft fighting his pointless by-election on his own.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
If you know of a road that needs sorting, please comment below or you can report it directly to the County Council via the Fix My Street portal, along with many other issues: fixmystreet.gloucestershire.gov.uk 2/2
fixmystreet.gloucestershire.gov.uk
FixMyStreet
Report, view, and discuss local street-related problems.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Thank you to everyone who attended my public meeting last night to talk about the state of our roads. Thanks also to @gloucestershirecc.bsky.social's highways department for answering your questions and sharing plans for progress. 1/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
BIG SPACE CANCER APPEAL - CAMPAIGN UPDATE Just out from a meeting with Dr Sam Guglani & Dr Charles Candish, & pleased to share that progress is being made on this important campaign. If you've donated, thank you. If you would like to support the appeal head to: www.justgiving.com/campaign/the...
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Reposted by Max Wilkinson MP
Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 02/07/2026
Score for Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson @maxwilkinson.bsky.social The Government is now letting pubs stay open for this weekend’s game after he raised the issue in Parliament today! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
⚽I asked ministers to give a blanket licensing exemption to allow pubs to stay open for the Mexico game in the early hours of Monday morning. Sadly, it sounds like the government’s answer is more Mike Bassett than Alf Ramsey. #WorldCup #WorldCup2026
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Home insurance companies shouldn’t be allowed to use small print to get out of responsibilities. Sadly, that’s what happened to Cheltenham resident Jackie, whose story I shared yesterday. I'm pleased the Minister accepted my suggestion to remind companies of their responsibility to customers.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
The presumptive next PM Andy Burnham has made a career out of bemoaning regional funding inequality. I agree with him, which is why I hope the government will deal with the massive funding inequality experienced by Cheltenham schools.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
People are rightly sick of the revolving door at 10 Downing Street.
Labour is about to give us a second
PM just two years into government.
Whoever comes next must fix our broken politics and address the fundamental problems holding our country back - the nonsensical trade barriers with our biggest economic partner, the cost of living crisis and the disempowerment felt by communities everywhere. They will need to take seriously the challenges in defence and security, too.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
We had some good news about our online safety campaigns today. Thank you to everyone who has supported the efforts - not least mum and Cheltenham campaigner Ellen Roome, whose courage and determination is so inspiring.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
We were short of two players, so the Speaker himself joined in (despite being in his formal suit). I’m pleased to report that the MPs were the winners, but more importantly the evening was all in support of a brilliant cause. 2/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Last week, I was a late substitute in the Commons vs Lords tug of war, in aid of @macmillancancer.bsky.social. I found myself sandwiched between two extremely strong military vets, Labour's Al Carns & Conservative Ben Obese-Jecty, on a team captained by former Foreign Sec James Cleverly. 1/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Leckhampton Hill is now a National Nature Reserve. That designation, awarded by King Charles III, follows so much hard work by big-hearted volunteers from the Friends of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common. I was proud to attend the formal designation ceremony last week.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
If we want an asylum system that works for everyone - including British communities and asylum seekers - we’ll have to work more closely with our European partners to bring control and safety in place of dangerous small boat crossings. 2/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
The Brexit given to us by Nigel Farage and the Tories has failed. But almost a decade on, ministers are still ignoring the reality of the impact it’s had on everything from our economy to immigration. 1/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Today in Parliament I called on the Home Secretary to join me in telling Vice President JD Vance and Trump’s US Department of Justice to stay out of British politics, our policing and to respect victims of crime like the Nowak family. I think she agreed with me. What do you think?
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
As part of the King's Speech debates, I spoke up for real local power for the people of Cheltenham. Giving our communities the freedom, funding, and power to make decisions that work for us. 2/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
The government promised to hand power back to communities. But their current approach to devolution involves scrapping local councils like Cheltenham and placing power in the hands of regional mayors who will be more distant from communities. 1/2
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Our democracy can only work if every vote counts. Five-party politics is firmly established in the UK (6 in Scotland & Wales). Labour & Conservatives must face reality: people demand proportional voting. I challenged the government on electoral reform so voices are heard equally & seats match votes.
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