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Graeme Downie MP

@graemedowniemp.bsky.social
3.9K followers 774 following 169 posts

@ScottishLabour MP for Dunfermline & Dollar. 'A pointy-fingered fellow' - Quentin Letts. Graeme.downie.mp@parliament.uk.

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Reposted by Graeme Downie MP
Duncan Hothersall @dhothersall.bsky.social · 4h
This seems kinda important.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 4h
Thanks @dhothersall.bsky.social . 🧵 Now available here as well. bsky.app/profile/grae...
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 4h
For years, we've rightly focused on the military and political threat posed by Putin's Russia. But there's another cost that receives far less attention. A hidden cost paid by British taxpayers, businesses and public services. It's called the Putin Tax. 🧵
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Reposted by Graeme Downie MP
Luke Pollard MP @lukepollard.bsky.social · 17h
If you’re going to promise an iron dome you better make sure it’s not an iron colander.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
For months I have been one of a small number calling for adjustments to Triple Lock. @andyburnham.bsky.social chose yesterday to do the difficult thing, be honest and trust people. I told BBC World Tonight that can help create the politics we want and the country we want.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
I spoke at ADS skills conference @fifecollege.bsky.social Dunfermline this afternoon. Our people are our deterrence. We need to develop people and skills we need to protect our country, grow our economy and let young people fulfill their aspirations. ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mp-warns-bri...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
MP warns Britain’s deterrence against Russia is its people
Graeme Downie MP says the UK is already in an unconventional war with Russia and argues that "our deterrence is our people" as skills shortages threaten defence resilience.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Threats from Russia and other foreign actors are building. We must be honest with the British people about the threats we face and the impart they're already having. And we need to learn from allies on how to build resillence and prepare both people and businesses.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I am so happy for my constituent and all victims who came forward as part of this campaign. Because of their work the Scottish Government is reviewing presumed for people convicted of serious sexual offences. This will help keep children safe. news.stv.tv/scotland/mum...
news.stv.tv
Review of sex offenders' parental rights a 'huge relief', says Fife mum
A mum whose former partner was convicted of possessing child abuse images says a review of parental rights for offenders is a 'huge relief'
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Reposted by Graeme Downie MP
PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The risks of Chinese technology being used in our food production need to be taken more seriously, writes Labour MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social
politicshome.com
Our food production is too reliant on Chinese technology
Anyone who has watched the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm will know that farming is undergoing a technological revolution
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Britain's food security is at risk: Chinese-made components run much of our farming technology – drones, tractors, sensors – with Chinese firms controlling ~70% of the global market. This new report explains the problem and what Government must do. cim-coalition.co.uk/cims-risk-in...
cim-coalition.co.uk
CIMs Risk in UK Agriculture - CIM Coalition
The Coalition on Secure Technology has today published a new report, CIMs Risk in UK Agriculture, examining how the risks posed to UK agriculture by the increasing use of Chinese-manufactured technolo...
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
On @ayeshahazarika.bsky.social @thetimes.com this afternoon I said that Nigel Farage is acting like a loser, making excuses a school boy would be ashamed of. Weak and out of control.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
As we see increased rhetoric and threats from Putin, we must be honest with the British public. They need to know that we are already in a conflict with Russia and that it is already extracting a cost from them. This is an extract from a speech I gave on 8 July.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I know that Michael Marra has the right vision for the future of Scottish Labour, that's why I'm supporting him for Leader. He can hold the SNP to account and start to build a more positive future for our country.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I spoke to the BBC this afternoon about the threat the UK faces from Russia and why @andyburnham is right, #Ukrainian security is our security. British people need to know the cost of the aggressive action Putin is already taking against our country. #UkraineWillWin.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Our campaign to stop people convicted of certain child sex offences having automatic parental rights is growing. Brave victims spoke out again yesterday and more are coming forward. The Scottish Government needs to act to put children at the centre of protection. news.stv.tv/east-central...
news.stv.tv
'My husband viewed child abuse images in our home - why should he have parental rights?'
Helen says her family has been 'left in tatters' by her ex-husband after he was charged with possessing abuse images
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Climate action and protecting jobs are not competing priorities. We must be pragmatic to create a low-carbon future and not repeat mistakes of the past by abandoning workers and communities. I explained my position to Times Radio this afternoon. youtu.be/_lsvXXF8hok
youtu.be
Future of Oil and Gas. Times Radio. 11 August 2026.
YouTube video by Graeme Downie MP
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
I am delighted to nominate my friend Michael Marra to be leader of Scottish Labour. I've known Michael a long time and know he has the strength, pragmatism and leadership needed to take our party forward.
“I've known Michael Marra for more than 15 years, and throughout that time he has consistently demonstrated the values, honesty and determination that Scottish Labour needs in its next leader.

Michael is a straight-talking leader with serious ideas and a positive vision for Scotland. He understands that renewing our country means creating better jobs, stronger public services and real opportunity in every community.

He recognises the huge potential for reindustrialising Scotland. In Fife, we're already seeing the opportunities that come from a UK Labour Government's commitment to defence, creating high-quality jobs, strengthening our industrial base and opening up new pathways for young people through apprenticeships, technical education and skilled careers.

Just as importantly, Michael brings a pragmatic approach to energy. He understands that we must protect jobs and communities linked to oil and gas while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring no part of Scotland is left behind.

Rooted in Labour values and focused on delivering for working people, Michael Marra is the leader to renew Scottish Labour and build a stronger future for Scotland. #MarraForLeader”
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Along with Labour colleagues from Westminster and Holyrood, I’ve written to the Deputy First Minister calling for the business rates relief for hospitality announced in England, to be passed on in full to Scottish pubs, clubs and music venues. heraldscotland.com/news/26408233
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Some sense from @michaelshanksmp.co.uk countering some of the misleading and potentially dangerous misinformation we have see from some quarters.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
A new PM is an opportunity to build trust in politics and government. To do that, government must keep promises and deliver ambitions. That is not just about deciding what to do,it is about building a state capable of doing it. My piece in @labourlist.bsky.social labourlist.org/2026/07/grae...
labourlist.org
'The hardest part of governing isn’t making promises - it’s delivering them' - LabourList
Labour was elected to renew Britain. Renewal is not just about deciding what government wants to do. It is about building a state capable of doing it.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
This is a list of actions taken by Russia against the UK. The UK government must trust the British people with information on how attacks by a foreign power are already affecting their lives. Are these actions "sub threshold" and, if so, what is the threshold for a response?
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
We've had Russian attacks on the UK on land, at sea, in the air and in cyberspace. The government need to rapidly increase UK preparedness and make sure the public know the impact and costs of these attacks on their daily lives. @ukdefencejournal.org.uk. ukdefencejournal.org.uk/russia-has-a...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Russia has attacked the United Kingdom – again
Russian hackers have stolen British government login credentials, with Graeme Downie MP warning that the pattern of Russian offensive activity against the UK now spans every domain.
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Reposted by Graeme Downie MP
Fabian Society @thefabians.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Featuring @lukemurphy.bsky.social, @yuanfenyang.bsky.social, @jeevunsandher.bsky.social & @graemedowniemp.bsky.social. Our new pamphlet brings together MPs and experts to set out fresh ideas on how we can tackle the cost of living crisis. Find out more below 👇 fabians.org.uk/publication/...
fabians.org.uk
Standard Issue | Fabian Society
Fabian Society
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
This is a really interesting piece by @billesterson.bsky.social on future of oil and gas. www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
politicshome.com
There is a strong case for subsidising North Sea drilling
Are oil and gas industry representatives making the wrong case for maintaining production in the North Sea?
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
We will not win re-election by ticking off targets. A capability-led approach would deliver savings and a system that works better. A truth in defence, welfare, energy and across government. Joint piece with @pollybillington.bsky.social in @labourlist.bsky.social labourlist.org/2026/06/capa...
labourlist.org
'Capacity first: Building a Britain that works' - LabourList
If we campaign on targets not capabilities, we risk lecturing the public not leading them.
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Reposted by Graeme Downie MP
Lizzi Collinge MP @lizzicollinge.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
I haven't yet read this but both @graemedowniemp.bsky.social and @pollybillington.bsky.social are both thoughtful members of the ESNZ select committee, of which I am also a member. So it's probably worth a read.
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Reposted by Graeme Downie MP
Polly Billington @pollybillington.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
labourlist.org/2026/06/capa... pleased to have written this with my good friend @graemedowniemp.bsky.social about focusing on outcomes over targets.
labourlist.org
'Capacity first: Building a Britain that works' - LabourList
If we campaign on targets not capabilities, we risk lecturing the public not leading them.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
We will not win re-election by ticking off targets. A capability-led approach would deliver savings and a system that works better. This is true in defence, welfare, energy and across government. Joint piece @pollybillington.bsky.social in @labourlist.bsky.social labourlist.org/2026/06/capa...
labourlist.org
'Capacity first: Building a Britain that works' - LabourList
If we campaign on targets not capabilities, we risk lecturing the public not leading them.
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Reposted by Graeme Downie MP
UK Defence Journal @ukdefencejournal.org.uk · 02/06/2026
Opening a Westminster Hall debate on national emergencies, @graemedowniemp.bsky.social argued that the UK must treat resilience as a constant, society-wide effort and be far more honest with the public about the scale of the threats it faces.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Trust the public on threat resilience, Downie urges
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
I spoke to STV News (clip at end of 🧵) about our work with a constituent who has been pushing for a change to the law after her ex-partner, who is convicted of a disgusting child sex offence, continued to have a legal presumption of access to her daughter.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
The West Fife Villages have been awarded £20 million of UK Government Pride in Place funding. Join the Neighbourhood Board which decides how the £20 million is spent. No experience is needed, you just need a passion for the area. our.fife.scot/lets-talk-lo...
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
We should always seek dialogue but it is offensive for John Swinney to casually dismiss concerns over links with Sinn Fein. SF refuse to fully participate in democracy or acknowledge their role in the murders of British service personnel and civilians. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2611426...
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Reposted by Graeme Downie MP
UK Defence Journal @ukdefencejournal.org.uk · 22/04/2026
Labour MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social has asked the MoD to assess the national security threat from Chinese electric vehicles, including remote kill switch capabilities. The government says it is working to manage the risks. ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-assessing...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
UK assessing risks from Chinese electric vehicles
Labour MP Graeme Downie has asked the MoD to assess the national security threat from Chinese electric vehicles, including remote kill switch capabilities. The government says it is working to manage ...
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UK Defence Journal @ukdefencejournal.org.uk · 21/04/2026
Graeme Downie @graemedowniemp.bsky.social, MP for Dunfermline and Dollar, has said the debate around defence funding risks placing a disproportionate burden on younger people while avoiding more politically difficult choices.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Downie calls for pension reform to fund defence
Graeme Downie, MP for Dunfermline and Dollar, has said the debate around defence funding risks placing disproportionate burden on younger people while avoiding more politically difficult choices.
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Reposted by Graeme Downie MP
Zoë Crowther @zoecrowther.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Over the weekend, Labour MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social called for the pension triple lock to be reformed to fund higher defence spending “If there is to be a true whole of society approach to defence, and younger people could be expected to die, what are older people willing to sacrifice?”
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
In case you’re confused - the £100k of tax Richard Tice failed to pay here is totally different to the - £92k of tax not properly withheld on dividends - the £600k side-stepped via highly aggressive tax avoidance Industrial scale grifting revealed by @danneidle.bsky.social and Gabriel Pogrund
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
We must be brave enough to ask those who benefited financially from peace to contribute to the future security of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Piece in @politicshome.bsky.social this morning. www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
politicshome.com
The triple lock should be part of conversation to raise defending spending
We must be brave enough to ask those who benefited financially from peace to contribute to the future security of their grandchildren and great-gra...
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
The situation in the Middle East remains volatile but whatever happens we are unlikely to see any quick resolution to increased energy prices. But we must not see a feather fall in prices after the rocket rise. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
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Reposted by Graeme Downie MP
Antonia Bance MP @antoniabance.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Excellent piece by my colleague @graemedowniemp.bsky.social
politicshome.com
The North Sea still matters
North Sea extraction won't bring down energy bills or fund government subsidies. But, done responsibly, it has a role to play in our national secur...
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Reposted by Graeme Downie MP
Zoë Crowther @zoecrowther.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Labour MP and former AI minister @feryalclark.bsky.social told @politicshome.bsky.social that banning kids from social media could "cut off" vital education resources – particularly for disadvantaged or vulnerable students
politicshome.com
Former AI Minister Warns Social Media Ban Could 'Cut Off' Education For Young People
Labour MP and former AI minister Feryal Clark has warned that restricting young people’s access to social media could 'cut off' vital education res...
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UK Defence Journal @ukdefencejournal.org.uk · 23/03/2026
Labour MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social has welcomed UK Government funding to support a proposed ferry link between Rosyth and mainland Europe, after he pushed for the significant economic boost.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Labour MP hails Rosyth-Europe ferry funding
Labour MP Graeme Downie has welcomed UK Government funding to support a proposed ferry link between Rosyth and mainland Europe, after he pushed for the significant boost for the local economy.
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UK Defence Journal @ukdefencejournal.org.uk · 23/03/2026
Labour MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social has called for a coordinated Western strategy in the Arctic to reduce dependence on Chinese critical minerals, warning that the region is becoming central to future economic and security competition.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Downie urges Arctic push to cut China mineral reliance
Labour MP Graeme Downie has called for a coordinated Western strategy in the Arctic to reduce dependence on Chinese critical minerals, warning that the region is becoming central to future economic an...
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Great speaking on the podcast 2 Parkies in a Pod about increasing profile of Parkinsons in Parliament and the opportunities for collaboration to help people with Parkinsons. @parkinsons.org.uk open.spotify.com/episode/7DUj...
open.spotify.com
Political Football
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Pleased to have provided the foreward for a report by Dr. Helena Ivanov Henry Jackson Society on strategic importance of the Arctic and High North. We must not be distracted. We need a long term plan with security, economics and ethics at its heart. henryjacksonsociety.org/wp-content/u...
henryjacksonsociety.org
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
In #Dunfermline with Scottish Labour candidiate Joe Long. People focussed on failure of the SNP on public services and positive recent investments in Fife by UK Labour government. In 7 May, people can choose a new direction in Scotland with Anas Sarwar as First Minister.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Yesterday's announcement by the UK Labour government of funding that will enable a passenger and freight ferry from Fife to France is the culmination of my almost two year campaign. It will bring huge benefits to Rosyth, Fife and the whole of Scotland.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Speaking to people in #Dunfermline this morning talking to voters with Joe Long, our fantastic @scottishlabour.bsky.social candidate. Public services have been decimated by 20 years of the SNP. Scotland has a choice in May to reverse that decline with @anassarwar.bsky.social as First Minister.
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UK Defence Journal @ukdefencejournal.org.uk · 06/03/2026
Labour MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social has highlighted the importance of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in protecting critical undersea infrastructure in the High North and Arctic during a Westminster Hall debate on NATO and the region.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
Downie highlights JEF role in protecting Arctic
Labour MP Graeme Downie has highlighted the importance of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in protecting critical undersea infrastructure in the High North and Arctic during a Westminster Ha...
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
This afternoon I urged Ed Miliband to ensure British people are under no illusions that the blame for any future rises in energy bills for ordinary people lies fully and squarely with the actions of the Iranian government and their indiscriminate military strikes.
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Graeme Downie MP @graemedowniemp.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
This afternoon I was pleased the Chancellor congratulated the fantastic workforce at Rosyth on the roll-out steel of the latest Type 31 Frigate. I also pressed her to accelerate energy investment and be mindful of short-term price increases resulting from Iranian action in the Middle East.
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