iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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.

032

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.

0111

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.

051

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.

020

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.

1102

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.

022

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.

2155

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.

2736087

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.

042

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.

053

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.

030

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.

072

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.

0149

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.

072

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

The UK has rejected access to the EU’s €150bn SAFE defence fund — a serious mistake. At a time of increased aggression from Russia and other hostile powers, turning away from coordinated European rearmament is deeply short-sighted. 🧵

132

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

The UK has rejected access to the EU’s €150bn SAFE defence fund - a serious mistake. At a time of increased aggression from Russia and other hostile powers, turning away from coordinated European rearmament is deeply short-sighted. 🧵

2136

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

🇺🇸 The US National Security Strategy is a dystopian document. 🇪🇺 It is an attack on European democracies from a government led by a man who has a poor track record on respecting election results. 🇬🇧 The UK government must stand up to this baseless attack on democracy here at home, and across Europe.

0197

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

The President of Venezuela is for the Venezuelan people to choose, not the US President Maduro has no legitimacy, having no evidence for his election “win”. But that doesn't justify Trump’s actions in the Caribbean. The US is acting with impunity, taking lives without evidence.

1114

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Parliament has just voted to cut Brexit red tape - passed on a knife-edge after the Speaker’s tie-breaking vote. My Lib Dem colleague @alpinkerton.bsky.social's Ten Minute Rule Bill calls for a bespoke UK–EU Customs Union. It’s the right move to fix our trade relationship with the EU.

2185

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

The Ajax tank is 9 years late, injuring our soldiers and costing £6.3bn. This isn’t good enough. I’ve asked the Government what contingency plans exist if Ajax slips further so we can still meet our NATO commitments. As the US pulls away we must be ready to protect ourselves.

041

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

It was a real privilege to meet Željko Komšić, the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia is a country that rarely receives much international attention, but its success is crucial for peace and security in the Balkans.

1122

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

We are in an increasingly unstable world. Russia is waging its hybrid war on the West and meddling in our elections. Meanwhile they continue to fight their war in Ukraine. China is also getting ever bolder, and we are seeing instability across the Middle East and Africa.

0127

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

🇧🇦 Bosnia is on the front line of Russia’s hybrid war. 🇷🇺 Putin-backed Republika Srpska is destabilising the region. 🇬🇧 The UK left the peacekeeping mission Operation Althea during Brexit - we need to return. Time to rejoin this vital mission and secure peace. 🇬🇧🇧🇦

040

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Half of veterans report mental health problems, but the support just isn't there. There is a huge problem with substance abuse and homelessness among veterans. Mental health is often the cause. We owe them a huge debt and as a society we must look after them better.

082

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

🐣 We need to End the Cage Age. I was really pleased to attend Compassion in World Farming's event in Parliament, alongside my fellow Lib Dem MPs Victoria Collins and Lisa Smart. 🐔 We must act to ensure hens are kept in suitable spaces, and not in cages the size of an A4 sheet of paper.

0114

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

We were promised that the proceeds from the Chelsea FC sale would support Ukraine. Instead, there are alarming signs that only a fraction is accounted for. This is unacceptable. The Government must act now, and use every legal tool available, to get this money to Ukraine where it is urgently needed.

0142

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

I had the honour of going to Remembrance services in Lewes and Ringmer. 2025 marks 80 years since WW2 ended in Europe. As we remember those who gave their lives for us, we must be aware of the threats to our freedom we see today as our world feels more unstable than ever. We will remember them.

030

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

I asked the Foreign Secretary about the Russian shadow fleet that is smuggling oil and gas across the world, funding Putin's barbaric war. 76% Russian Gas is shipped on a UK owned or insured vessels. This is £45 billion worth of gas. This is huge for Russia's budget 🧵

3165

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

☀️ We need to transition from fossil fuels to renewables. 🏢 We don't need to put solar on prime farmland, but on dead space like rooves and car parks. 🛢️ Russia has fuelled its war with the profits from oil and gas and acted as a stark reminder of our need to transition away. #climatechange #solar

021

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

🇨🇳 I was asked about the case of the Chinese spies in Parliament on BBC Politics Live. 👉 Labour and the Tories need to stop pointing fingers and start learning lessons to protect our democracy from hostile foreign powers, like China and Russia. 🧊 This is unfortunately only the tip of the iceberg.

053

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

🌳 It was really great to visit the Lewes Climate Hub and do a Q and A for their members. I heard their concerns about: 🪧 The right to protest 🇺🇳 The UN Special Reports for women and maritime protected areas 🎣 Bottom trawling 📝 And I signed the Make Polluters Pay pledge

031

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

🐘 The Govt refuses to engage with the elephant in the room which is the Tories' botched Brexit deal. 🤷 They are obsessed with growth, but refuse to consider the biggest thing holding Britian back. 🇪🇺 This is why the @libdems.org.uk are calling for a customs union to really reset our relationship.

2123

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

👧 Fantastic to visit JAGUKGROUP to celebrate the launch of their ‘Every Child, Every Opportunity’ report. Which shows the importance of the sector to families. It has been overlooked for far too long and is a crucial step in providing every child with the best start in life.

021

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

↩️ It is time for Rachel Reeves to U-turn on her Family Farm Tax. 🚜 Our farmers need our help, the govt only seems able to do the opposite. 🤝 I recently met with farmers and this is not the only problem they face. ✂️ The govt has also cut essential support, farmers deserve better

333

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

👨‍💼 I asked the Foreign Secretary about frozen Russian assets. 💷 We ned to seize them for Ukraine so Russian money can fund their resistance. 💪 If this is something that our allies are not prepared to do then we must do it on our own with the assets we have here in the UK.

2187

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

✉️ I have signed @alisonebennett.bsky.social's letter to Wes Streeting about the crisis facing our hospices. They offer extraordinary dignity, comfort and peace for people in their final months. Yet they are expected to raise ever higher sums whilst the govt taxes them more. People deserve better.

051

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

🇪🇺 I had the privilege to be on the UK delegation to the Council of Europe. 🕊️ I talked about democracy in Russia being a prerequisite for lasting peace in Europe. 🔭 It may seem far off, but we must start laying the groundwork to support the Russian people now, otherwise it will never happen.

084

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

I have been very clear; I cannot support Labour's Digital ID plan. I do not believe that citizens should have to hand over their private data just to go about their daily lives. Do we really want to become a “papers please” society for a gimmick that will fail to tackle illegal immigration? A🧵

352

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Great to be on the sofa to record BBC Politics South East today for broadcast on Sunday. We talked about digital ID, possible closure of a sexual health clinic in Lewes and party conference season. Pleasure to be joined by Tris Osborne MP, Cllr Lizzie Hacking and Dr Olivia Hum.

031

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

So sad to hear of the passing of Sir Ming Campbell. I met him a few times and was always struck by the incredible authority he exuded especially on foreign policy. He was a man who had a remarkable career in a number of fields and will be greatly missed.

0111

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

The Lib Dems have been the only voices in Parliament consistently championing closer economic, defence and cultural ties with Europe, after the Tories botched deal. I was privileged to present the Making the UK–EU Reset Summit Count motion to Conference and change party policy. A🧵

3278

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

I was delighted to bring the Sports Minister to the Dripping Pan to see how the women’s game can be a catalyst for growth in football. Lewes FC is showing the world what fair football looks like. Equal pay for their men’s and women’s sides is an example the FA and other clubs should follow 🧵1/4

150

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

Russian attacks are spreading: shopping centres in Warsaw & Vilnius torched, EU Commission President’s plane forced down by GPS jamming. I asked ministers what the UK – one of NATO’s strongest powers – will do to stand with our allies and push back.

0161

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

British farmers deserve better. The Govt keeps neglecting Britain’s farmers and action is needed to save our rural communities. From unfair family farms tax to slashing support for young farmers, they are making it harder for the next gen to survive and now they are signing dodgy deals with DJT 🧵

151

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

Russia hosting Dodik in Moscow is a reminder: the Kremlin is fanning flames in the Balkans while blaming the West. Europe must not ignore these destabilisation tactics on its doorstep. The UK and EU must stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of this aggression.

193

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

The govt claims its plans for local govt are "devolution by default" they aren't, they're centralisation by stealth. They have a huge democratic deficit and people are worried. They are taking power away from communities. A 🧵 (1/5 )

1125

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

🇪🇺 I asked the govt what timetable they have to rejoin Erasmus+. It would be great for our universities & sciences – together we can do things we can’t alone. Young people have lost life-changing chances to study & work across Europe. We must give them back. Disappointingly they couldn’t say.

2299

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 27/07/2025

Truly incredible stuff from England. Resilient and determined with the ability when it mattered. Congratulations to our courageous Lionesses! #Euro2025

1186

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Today is Srebrenica Memorial Day — 30 years since the horrific genocide in Bosnia. I’ve signed the Srebrenica Book of Memorial. Never again must we stand by. We must learn the lessons of the past, speak out and act against atrocities wherever they occur.

084

James MacCleary MP @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Great to meet constituents in Parliament today to talk climate action — cleaning up our rivers and oceans, investing in nature-based solutions, boosting biodiversity, and supporting active travel. I really enjoyed our discussion - thank you for making the journey to Westminster!

022