iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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

My recent survey on teacher retention raised some really concerning results. It painted the profession as overworked and under-supported. Already there is a retention crisis in schools. Without urgent action, the situation could become much worse.

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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

And by adopting a blanket ban, we are letting social media giants off the hook, with no impetus for them to change their platforms. Our children deserve a considered, nuanced approach that will genuinely keep them safe, not a cobbled together hodgepodge of restrictions.

theguardian.com

Social media to be banned in UK for under-16s, Starmer announces

UK prime minister says move will bring ‘real change for our children’ amid growing concerns over harmful online content

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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

Someone who is willing to ignore the wishes of a grieving family and exploits the murder of their son to fan the flames of division and violence for his own political gain. It should and must be condemned, and it is incumbent on all of us to reject the hateful politics Farage embodies.

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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

It is imperative you both act to prepare and mitigate. The National Emergency Briefing was very clear about how we could do this. More showings are happening across South Devon in the coming weeks. Take a look below. 👇 www.nebriefing.org/the-film

nebriefing.org

National Emergency Briefing

A 50-min film centred around the National Emergency Briefing. The frank facts, but also the huge opportunity if Government steps up and leads a WW2-scale response. Designed to be watched by communitie...

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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

Whistleblowers claiming Meta and TikTok let harmful content, including terrorism content, rise after finding it juiced user engagement. 🤯 More than 9 in 10 parents think social media is harmful to children. ☹️

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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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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

This simple change would nearly double court sitting time and, when paired with wider reforms, would help bring the court waiting list down without threatening a cornerstone of our justice system.

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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

The Justice Secretary has put his fingers in his ears despite the entire legal sector sounding the alarm about his proposal. Last month we wrote to the Justice Secretary calling for select Crown Court rooms in England and Wales to have two trials per day, rather than one.

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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

I hope this debate will consider the responsibility banks have to their customers and the current eligibility for granting banking hubs.

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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

Families need concrete assurances – the government might point to its recently launched consultation, but will the results of this result in any change? Yesterday’s behaviour from the government suggests not.

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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

How can they be comfortable with the status quo where our children’s data and attention are being mined by addictive-by-design apps?

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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

The icing on the cake, though, was the government’s failure to commit to a social media ban for under-16s. Parents, children, and campaigners are crying out for more support, but the government appears suspiciously timid to act against the social media giants.

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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

👍Required the government to review the per-child funding in the adopting and special guardianship support fund. You might remember that this vital fund, which offers therapy for adopted children, was cut to the bone by the government last year. 📵Introduced a ban on smartphones in schools.

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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

To make matters worse the government whipped its MPs to vote down Lib Dem proposals and other suggested measures which would have… 🏫Capped the price of branded school uniforms. We are deeply concerned the government’s proposal could see prices rise.

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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

These settlements are illegal under international law. So why won’t our government introduce a full ban on all trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank to show they are truly committed to a two-state solution?

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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

I asked the Education Secretary about the latter on Monday. Watch her response.

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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

❓Why isn’t the government pursuing universal screening to ensure the early intervention study after study has shown is vital? ❓How will inclusion into mainstream schools be delivered without a programme to hire far more teaching assistants?

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Caroline Voaden @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

A year on, I’m not convinced that principle is being met. And even with a 118-page white paper, massive questions about future SEND provision remain.

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