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Caroline Voaden

@carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social
8.6K followers 937 following 653 posts

Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon and Schools Spokesperson. Former leader of Lib Dem MEPs. 🔶 Education Select Committee member. UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly member. E:Caroline.voaden.MP@parliament.uk

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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Britain has a NEET crisis - and it's heavily linked to mental health. At Liberal Democrat Conference, we'll discuss how to break the cycle of poor mental health with: @beckymontacute.bsky.social @lukemunford.bsky.social Baz Ramaiah @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social Sponsored by Policy@Manchester
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
This is fantastic news. Once again, our teachers produce some of the best results in the world. But how long can this last given half are thinking of leaving the profession in the next 5 years? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
UK pupils rank highly in international reading, maths and science tests
But the Pisa test scores vary significantly between England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
It is outrageous that banks have been able to get away with shutting branches with impunity. We know they have the money to provide the services we deserve. It’s time for the government to compel them to protect – and restore – face-to-face banking services in rural areas.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Burnham’s ambition to boost technical education should be applauded, but having read the proposals, I have questions… What do you think? Have a read of the policy via the link below. 📌
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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
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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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Ten years on, was it worth it? Easy answer, that.
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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 23/06/2026
10 years on, the very same politicians who caused the Brexit mess say nobody can dare try to fix it. We say enough. It's time for a bold new deal with Europe to make Britain safer, richer and stronger. Watch our new film here ⬇️ youtu.be/ihdhBLT6YYM
youtu.be
It's time for a bold new deal with Europe.
10 years on, the very same politicians who caused the Brexit mess say nobody can dare try to fix it. We say enough. It's time for a bold new deal with Europe to make Britain safer, richer and…
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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Reports of a Russian warship firing warning shots in the English Channel are deeply concerning. Russia is quite literally on our doorstep. Intimidation in our waters must not be tolerated. A reminder that we cannot afford any more delays to the Defence Investment Plan www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
MoD investigating reports Russian warship fired warning shots near yacht in Channel
A UK-registered yacht reported shots were fired by the frigate off the coast of the Isle of Wight.
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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
MVM - Totnes & South Devon @mvm-totnes.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
This is our local #WakeUpWestminster call for fair elections. We were especially pleased to welcome our MP @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social to the event.
A group of people with banners, gathered to campaign for fair votes.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
There is still a lot of detail missing from this announcement, but already I have some concerns about the blanket ban approach. The government has clearly not heeded the warnings from Australia where a similar approach has been easily circumvented by teenagers.
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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 09/06/2026
The Prime Minister must stop begging tech companies to tackle child sexual abuse material and take decisive action to protect children online. @munirawilson.bsky.social, @dannychambers.bsky.social, @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Is this honestly the best the Prime Minister can offer? The tech giants have sat on software to do this for years but have instead prioritised profits over safety. We need it rolled-out immediately. The Prime Minister shouldn’t be begging them to act; he should force them.
theguardian.com
Starmer gives tech firms ultimatum to block explicit images on children’s phones
Companies such as Apple and Google have until September to install software or face legislation, says PM
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Farage’s response to the shocking murder of Henry Nowak has been nothing short of despicable. It shows exactly what kind of man he is.
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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 02/06/2026
Our water industry is broken. Failing customers. Failing our rivers. @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social on why the UK's privatised water system isn't working and why it's time for real change
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
I’m really proud to be part of a committee that has actually said what needs to be said - we must protect our children from the dangers of social media and we must not delay any longer. Have a read below. 👇 publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5902/cm...
publications.parliament.uk
Growing up in the online world: The Education Committee’s response to the Government’s consultation
Report of the Education Committee
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Damning report here on the UK’s unpreparedness for a changing climate. Remember 19th July 2022? When temperatures soared above 40c in some places. By 2050, that’ll be happening everywhere. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
UK ‘built for climate that no longer exists’ and needs urgent changes to survive global heating, report warns
Landmark report calls for widespread air conditioning and says UK temperatures forecast to exceed 40C by 2050
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
This important intervention exposes one of many major flaws with the government’s proposed SEND reforms. The consultation closed this week with many questions unanswered. As Schools Spokesperson, I am committed to getting the answers parents and SEND deserve about the government’s planned reforms.
theguardian.com
‘Attainment at all costs’ approach could undermine Send changes, school leaders in England say
Union says emphasis on academic goals conflicts with proposed measures on special educational needs provision
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Wow, that didn't take long. What was it Farage said about improved candidate vetting this time around? 🤔 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Reform UK councillor in Essex quits after social media claims
Reform UK's Stuart Prior is accused of creating racist posts on social media.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Great to be out campaigning in Hillside ward this evening with colleagues from Merton Lib Dems - a beautiful evening to talk to people about our challenge to Labour for Merton council @mertonlibdems.bsky.social
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
TikTok and Meta reject claims their platforms are addictive despite... A court finding Meta had intentionally built an addictive social media platform which harmed users’ mental health. 😡
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
Delighted that Orban lost - even more so that it was a landslide victory. No doubt the Hungarians were desperate to rid themselves of him and his cronies. Here’s hoping Magyar will stick to his promise of better relations with the EU and cleaner politics. A hopeful night for European politics
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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 12/04/2026
This is not just a victory for the people of Hungary, but for all those around the world who believe in international cooperation, democracy and the rule of law 🇭🇺
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
We must stay out of this insane war.
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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
Calum Miller @calummillerld.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
We have warned from the start that the UK has to avoid being dragged into another war in the Middle East. Starmer must now let Parliament vote on the terms of the agreement with the US for their use of UK bases. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ce...
bbc.co.uk
Iran war latest: UK should have acted faster, Trump says, after it offers British bases for Hormuz strikes
Keir Starmer's decision comes after Donald Trump berated his Nato allies as
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
I was proud to vote against restricting trial by jury last night. If more Labour backbenchers had taken a stand, alongside the Liberal Democrats, we could have stopped the government.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
My campaign to secure a banking hub in Totnes continues! I’ve just returned from appearing before the backbench business committee where I successfully applied for a debate on banking services in rural areas.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Yesterday the government gave us a miniscule amount of time to debate a piece of legislation with far-reaching implications for social media safety, school uniform prices, and support for adopted children.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Today South West Water submitted a guilty plea to supplying water unfit for human consumption during the cryptosporidium outbreak in Brixham - here's my statement. 👇
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Israel’s Prime Minister has said ‘there will be no Palestinian state’ - and his government has taken the action to ensure this. In the last year, the Israeli government issued nearly 10,000 units of settlement housing tenders – more than the past six years combined.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
🚨 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍🚨 If you're in Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Palestine, Qatar or UAE, please register your presence with the FCDO to ensure you can receive updates from them. You can do so here, and find further guidance and travel advice: www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
Foreign Office travel advice updates
Latest travel information for British nationals affected by the situation in the Middle East.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Keir Starmer redefining offensive as defensive. This is a slippery slope and risks letting Trump drag Britain into another prolonged war in the Middle East Starmer must come to Parliament tomorrow, set out legal case in full and give MPs a vote The UK must not be complicit in illegal military action
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
The fights, underfunding, private profiteering, persistent absences, and overall failings that have plagued our SEND system for too long cannot continue.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
I presented my petition on coastal erosion at Start Bay at 11 last night – you can watch it here. In just over two weeks, over 39,000 of you have signed the petition, both online and offline through the businesses and residents who have gone above and beyond to get the message far and wide.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
👇👇 It took a while but it’s a relief that the government might have finally listened to Lib Dem calls for a profit cap on SEND providers. For too long the SEND private market has been a rigged racket. Hopefully this change will mark the end of our vulnerable children being treated like cash cows.
Screenshot of a New Statesman article suggesting that the government will introduce a price cap on independent specialist provision.
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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 18/02/2026
Up and down the country, GP surgeries are closing, leaving patients helpless and without the care they need - it’s a disgrace. The government must deliver our plans for a GP rescue package to ensure everyone can see their GP when they need.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
It’s absolutely heartbreaking that one in three people are dying in pain or distress in England. The government must step up to support our hospices which are on a knife edge after years of underfunding and neglect. Here’s how to do it...
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
You don't say - so shocked by this.... Almost like councils that have been hacked away at for years had little left to cut. 🤔 www.ft.com/content/fc3c...
ft.com
Reform UK admits Kent council’s Musk-inspired cost-cutting drive found little waste
County councillors say former Conservative administration ‘weren’t crazy, they were business people’
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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 16/01/2026
We have age ratings for films to protect children from violence and other harmful content. Why not do the same with social media websites?

 Our policy would keep the internet open and keep children safe from Elon’s Chainsaw Massacre.
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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
Suffolk Broad (aka Anna) 🇬🇧🇵🇱🇪🇺 @annadamski.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Top trolling from the TUC! 👏
On Twitter, in response to Kemi Badenoch firing Robert Jenrick, the Trades Union Congress writes:

"Robert Jenrick, do you need a union rep x"
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Today’s U-turn on digital ID was on the cards from the day it was haphazardly announced without any narrative or strategy to bring those who opposed it on side. Its faults were clear: a colossal amount of time, money and effort for a product whose benefits were dubious at best.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
This is welcome news. On the Education Select Committee and elsewhere, I’ve heard some truly upsetting cases tied to smartphones, including children arriving at nursery without the core strength to even sit upright due to excessive screentime.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
This weekend there was a lot of chat among MPs about what to do about X. In the end, my decision was easy: I deleted the app. While I’ll miss going down Megan Markle rabbit holes, the truth is that the platform under Musk has become a cess pit of misogyny.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
X’s decision to turn its AI feature that allows users to digitally undress women into a premium service is despicable. It is an insult to any victim of misogyny and sexual violence.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
I certainly hope this is true, though I share parents and campaigners concerns that this roadshow is finishing far too close to expected SEND reforms.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
While I’m glad the Government seems to be U-turning on the business rates rise for pubs, I’m again left wondering why it only enters ‘listening mode’ after creating an ill-thought-out policy?
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
At the Budget, the Chancellor claimed her measures would introduce permanently lower tax rates for over 750,000 businesses. That statement does not stack up with reality. Pubs are on the brink after being hammered by Labour. Now the upcoming business rates hike could tip some over the edge.
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
It’s as simple as that. You don’t suck up to bullies like Trump, he will just see it as a sign of weakness. Keir Starmer must stand up for Britain, our interests and our allies. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
US attack on Greenland would mean end of Nato, says Danish PM
Mette Frederiksen criticises Donald Trump’s ‘unacceptable pressure’ as Greenland counterpart condemns ‘fantasies’
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Reposted by Caroline Voaden
Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 05/01/2026
Keir Starmer must come to Parliament today and make it clear that Britain stands with Denmark against Trump’s threats.
BBC headline: Danish PM tells Trump to stop “threats” against Greenland
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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Remember when Brexiteers raved about the trade deals we’d sign once we left the EU. Well, five years on from Boris’s botched deal, let me show why these deals are worth absolute peanuts compared to what we lost thanks to Brexit. 🥜 #Brexit #CustomsUnion @libdems.org.uk
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