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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Great to join Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings, and Katy Bourne, Sussex PCC to record BBC South East Politics today. We discussed the increase in shoplifting, the need to reform the water industry and campaigns for community pubs. It'll be broadcast this Sunday morning if you fancy a watch.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Incredible how little attention this has got. Masked men come to Dover in a planned action and block our nation's busiest port. None were detained. Good job they weren't pensioners holding signs about Palestine or climate change activists or they'd be in court by now! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Disruption at Port of Dover due to 'stop the boats' protest

The government says it condemns "the behaviour in Dover" and the hours-long disruption it caused.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Great to join the @libdems.org.uk team in Uckfield today to support Tim Murray who is standing in the by-election. It will be between Tim and the Reform Party candidate. So many residents were saying that they are backing Tim and the @libdems.org.uk to win.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Britain doesn't take orders from Moscow. We will keep arming Ukraine with every drone it needs to defend itself and strike back against Russian aggression. Threats from the Kremlin only harden our resolve. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

UK 'supports Ukraine 100%', Burnham says, after Russia's drone warning

Russia accuses the UK of escalating the Ukraine war by supplying British-made drones as the prime minister vows to support Kyiv in its "hour of need".

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Three of the four stories on the BBC News app's Sussex section today are about rail disruption or accidents. This is not normal or acceptable. I am calling govt to ditch its policy of refusing to invest in South East infrastructure projects as it is becoming dangerous.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Another serious incident on the railways locally just days after a shocking derailment at Lewes. I am meeting with Network Rail today to understand what urgent action they are taking to ensure the safety of passengers in our area. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Railway line closed following landslip between Lewes and Eastbourne

Southern advises visitors heading to Eastbourne's Airbourne to travel on an alternative route.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

"Drill baby drill' say the Tories while Europe burns. A natural disaster on our doorstep. The climate emergency means every summer will have intense heat leading to devastating fires. It's time to speed up our transition to renewables, not slow it down. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Wildfire now nine miles away from French city of Bordeaux, mayor warns

Thomas Cazenave says they are preparing if further evacuations are issued, as the mayor of a nearby town called the situation "catastrophic".

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Another fine for Southern Water. These companies keep getting away with hiking up our bills while dumping sewage. We have a new PM. He should put water companies into special administration and return them to public control as public-benefit mutuals. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Southern Water fined over dumping sewage in Kent coasts

The court heard the discharges forced bathing water closures and harmed the local economy.

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Calum Miller @calummillerld.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Donald Trump is threatening to commit war crimes against Iranian civilians. He must back down from these reckless plans. He and Tehran must stop holding the world to ransom in the Strait. The only way out of this quagmire is a negotiated settlement. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Trump threatens to bomb bridges and power plants in Iran unless talks resume

Trump's comments aired as the two countries exchanged fire for the fourth day in a row and the US resumed blockading Iranian ports.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Great to be on the BBC Politics Show South East sofa filming the show today. We discussed assisted dying, the EU's new border control system, and the Bayeaux Tapestry coming to the UK. Tune in on Sunday morning to have a watch.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Today the Defence Investment Plan will finally appear. Late, underfunded and leaving gaping holes in our ability to defend the UK and NATO. Labour's promises lie in tatters. This Plan fails our armed forces, our defence industry and leaves us less secure. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...

independent.co.uk

Starmer finds an extra £1bn for defence as spending plan finally revealed

The new defence investment plan has allocated £14.5bn to fund Britain’s defence, still falling well short of the £28bn officials previously said was needed

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Last week I joined @eddavey.libdems.org.uk, @calummillerld.bsky.social and fellow Lib Dem MPs in writing to Andy Burnham about our Defence Bonds idea. We face growing threats but the Govt still lacks a plan to fund our armed forces. £20bn in Defence Bonds would help close that gap.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

I called for this at last week's Commons statement on the operation to board this vessel. @libdems.org.uk have called for stronger action on the shadow fleet for months and for the seized oil to be sold to support Ukraine. Good to see the govt now agree with us www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06...

telegraph.co.uk

Oil from seized Russian tanker to be sold to benefit Ukraine

£35m cargo of ship boarded by Royal Marines could help to fund Kyiv’s war effort

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

It is looking like a coronation for Burnham. That is not healthy at all. Having got rid of Starmer, Labour MPs are now stitching things up to ensure that there isn't even a contest to be our new Prime Minister. Maybe they don't want us seeing how few ideas they really have.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

We are harming our own country through all these changes of PM. There is no good reason for Starmer to go. He is unpopular but that has never stopped PMs before. This is a palace coup by Labour MPs only interested in self preservation and not the overall interests of the country.

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Calum Miller @calummillerld.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Britain’s economy is being held back by low growth and small businesses are paying the price. That’s why the @libdems.org.uk are pushing for a bold new partnership with Europe to cut red tape, back SMEs and grow our economy.

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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 18/06/2026

It's time for a bold new deal that puts Britain back at the heart of Europe. 🧡

A series of image showing Lib Dem MPs and campaigners joined by Ed at a rally to end the Brexit Chaos. As well as Lib Dem diamonds, they carry signs which say

End the Brexit Chaos

Back at the heart of Europe

Boost Trade, Cut Bills

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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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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Healey's resignation reflects poorly on the PM. We should be setting an example for our allies, but this whole messy process has just been embarrassing.

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Calum Miller @calummillerld.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Trump appears finally to have realised what he started. He followed Netanyahu into this war and has pursued it without clear goals and with casual indifference to the consequences. Now he is claiming he can rein in Netanyahu. For once, let’s hope he’s right. giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...

giftarticle.ft.com

Trump says Netanyahu will have ‘no choice’ but to accept a deal with Iran

US president tells FT that he ‘calls the shots’ after urging the Israeli leader not to retaliate against Tehran

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Calum Miller @calummillerld.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

What kind of message does this send to our Ukrainian allies? Every pound for Russian oil goes to Putin’s war chest. The Government must reverse these weak waivers, focus on diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait, and implement Lib Dem plans to cut the cost of travel www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

UK loosens Russian oil sanctions as fuel prices rise

The waiver reflects increasing supply concerns over certain fuels due to the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Starmer has called it 'Labour's choice', but last year when I gave Labour the choice to back a Youth Mobility Scheme they didn't. Another Labour U-turn after Lib Dem pressure. Brussels wont take this lame-duck PM seriously. We had a chance but the government have dragged their feet.

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Calum Miller @calummillerld.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Social care is already under severe pressure. Families are waiting too long, providers are struggling to recruit and care workers are not being properly valued. The Government needs to get to grips with this crisis and bring forward a serious plan for social care.

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Calum Miller @calummillerld.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

It is good to see Keir Starmer finally recognising the threat the IRGC poses to the Jewish community and the Iranian diaspora, but this should have come a long time ago. Lib Dems will back any emergency legislation required to proscribe the IRGC. www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/202...

telegraph.co.uk

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Proud to speak at the Lib Dem Conference setting out our approach to defence: standing firmly with Ukraine against Putin, restoring trust with our European allies, and fixing procurement to cut waste. In a more unstable world we remain committed to NATO, international law and our nuclear deterrent.

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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 16/03/2026

At a time of global crisis, Britain should be leading on the world stage – not following Trump like a poodle, as the Conservatives and Reform want to do.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Great to see @makeuk.bsky.social backing defence bonds. We need urgent funding to rearm. Despite big talk from Labour and Tories, only the @libdems.org.uk have a plan. Bonds would raise £20bn over two years and allow everyone to invest in our nation's defence. inews.co.uk/news/britons...

inews.co.uk

Starmer urged to launch WW2-style war bond plan to plug defence £28bn black hole

A defence trade body wants a bond-buying scheme to bolster defence innovations like counter-drone and sub-sea autonomous vehicles

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Kemi Badenoch claims the Type 45 Destroyer can’t intercept missiles. That is literally what they are designed to do, and they’re world-renowned for it. The Conservatives should wind their neck in and stop warmongering. We will not gain anything by getting involved in a conflict with Iran.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

🇺🇦 🇬🇧 It is sobering to think that today marks four years since the start of Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine. I am proud of the support Britain has given, but we must not become complacent. We must continue to stand with our Ukrainian allies who fight for all of our freedom. Slava Ukraini.🇺🇦

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

We do need to urgently increase defence spending and it's good that the PM is finally realising it. He should adopt the @libdems.org.uk proposal for defence bonds to generate £20bn over the next two years. A serious plan to get the cash boost our armed forces need. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

UK government considering increase in defence spending

The prime minister is considering meeting a 3% defence-spending target five years earlier than planned, the BBC learns.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Navalny showed incredible bravery standing up for freedom and a democratic Russian future and was murdered for it. Now we know how, it should redouble our resolve to resist Putin and that begins in Ukraine. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Russia killed opposition leader Alexei Navalny using toxin from dart frog, UK says

There is no innocent explanation for the toxin being found in samples taken from Navalny's body, Foreign Office says.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Starmer is finally waking up to the threat of relying on Trump for our security. The PM should be personally leading negotiations to get us into the EU SAFE defence fund and adopt the @libdems.org.uk defence bonds for an urgent cash injection for our armed forces. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn...

bbc.co.uk

Munich Security conference live: Starmer announces deployment of warships and fighter jets to Arctic

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer tells the Munich Security Conference that the US, Canada and other Nato allies will play a role in the operation, as he calls for closer EU ties.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

I'm pleased to see the High Court overturn the absurd proscription of Palestine Action. Labour abused the parliamentary system to get them proscribed, but it was clear this was a blatant misuse of terror legislation. Just think how much police time was wasted with this nonsense.

theguardian.com

High court rules ban on Palestine Action is unlawful – live

Protest group’s co-founder wins legal challenge against decision to proscribe it under anti-terrorism laws

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

It was great to meet Royal Marine Commandos at Parliament ahead of their deployment to Norway for a NATO exercise. They showed us their kit and spoke about the vital work they’re doing to keep us safe in an increasingly unstable world.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

The situation in Iran is shocking. The regime’s brutal crackdown has reportedly cost tens of thousands of lives. The UK Government must go further and proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Ayatollahs’ iron fist, as a terrorist organisation.

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Calum Miller @calummillerld.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

We need to know how the Government plans to deal with Iran - and with Donald Trump’s plans for Iran. @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social and I have written to the Defence and Foreign Secretaries today asking them to hold Iran’s leaders to account and to tell Parliament their plans.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

The cruelty of Putin's war in Ukraine has reached new levels. These attacks are designed to make civilians suffer. Children and the elderly shiver as Putin tries to break them. Deliberately targeting civilians is a war crime and Putin is a war criminal. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Russian hits Ukraine energy sites in 'most powerful blow

The attack - which reportedly consisted of more than 70 missiles and 450 drones - comes after a so-called

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

I am appalled that the Government has once again chosen to ignore the WASPI women’s demand for fair compensation. These women were failed by poor communication and shifting goal posts. They deserve justice, not delay or dismissal. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Ministers reject Waspi calls for compensation after rethink

Women hit by changes to the state pension age say the decision shows "utter contempt" for their situation.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

There is great irony that the man Reform have selected to win Gorton and Denton for them is the same man (in his previous life as a serious academic) who co-wrote a superb book called National Populism that dissects the very same ideas he now promotes.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, marking 81 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. We remember the six million Jews murdered for being Jewish and honour the survivors. As witnesses grow fewer, we must bridge generations and ensure their memories are never forgotten.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

I asked the Government to commit to a new Medium Lift Helicopter contract. This is a vital capability, with Leonardo in Yeovil the only bidder. Ministers should stop waiting for the Defence Investment Plan and commit now so production can begin.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

It's time to get serious about funding defence. Everyone is saying we 'must do more' but it's all talk. Our plan to issue bonds for funding defence will raise £20bn and give our allies the reassurance that Britain is serious about defending Europe. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Let public by war bonds to raise £20bn for defence, say Lib Dems

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey says the bonds would

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Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 17/01/2026

Starmer’s US policy lies in tatters. Trump is now punishing the UK and NATO allies just for doing the right thing. Time for the PM to stand firm against the bully in the White House, and work with European and Commonwealth allies to make him back down from this reckless plan.

“Trump announces plan to hit UK, Denmark and other European countries with extra tariffs over Greenland”.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

Donald Trump just falls back on this behaviour every time he doesn't get what he wants. Greenland is not for sale and it is high time for the PM to stop pandering and work with our European friends to stand up the bully in the White House. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...

bbc.co.uk

Trump tariffs: US president announces plan to hit UK, Denmark and other European countries with tariffs over Greenland

The US president says the countries will be charged a

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Calum Miller @calummillerld.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

Deeply concerned by reports from Uganda about the conduct of elections and treatment of opposition leaders and election officials. UK Government must work w/ election observers, regional organisations and other partners to ensure a fair outcome of votes. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Uganda election: Police deny Bobi Wine abduction claims as Yoweri Museveni heads for victory

President Yoweri Museveni has a commanding lead with most votes counted as his main rival Bobi Wine decries

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Russia’s shadow fleet keeps Putin’s war machine funded. Stopping that matters. Today the MoD has assured me this operation is taking place in line with international law – unlike US actions in Venezuela. The rules exist for a reason, and the UK must not be complicit in breaking them.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

I asked the Foreign Secretary about what she is doing to ensure the US does not violate international law from British bases. She told me British forces always uphold international law (which I am glad to hear) but made no comment about the US or their use of our bases.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

The Government should be worried about young people leaving Britain. They are our future. A youth mobility scheme with the EU would let young people live, work and travel across Europe without being forced to emigrate for opportunity.

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James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

German Chancellor Merz is right when he says: "We are seeing more and more clearly that Russia’s aggression was and is part of a plan targeted against the whole of Europe," It's critical we are in lock step with our European friends to protect ourselves. www.reuters.com/world/china/...

reuters.com

Germany's Merz tells Europe to assert itself to safeguard peace, prosperity

Europe must assert its interests more strongly to ensure peace and prosperity in 2026 amid challenges from Russian aggression, global protectionism and changing ties with the U.S., German Chancellor F...

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