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Matt J. McLaren

@mattjmclaren.com
332 followers 533 following 79 posts

Global Search Consultant, Entrepreneur, and Campaigner | Managing Director @mgssassociates.com | Convenor @winchmoreliberals.uk 🔶️ Promoted by M. J. McLaren (Liberal Democrats) at MGSS, 3 Lloyd's Ave, London EC3N 3DS, UK

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Matt J. McLaren @mattjmclaren.com · 29/09/2026
Big news from Labour Conference: the PM has announced the government's plan to scrap first past the post. Seats that match votes would change British politics for good, but only if it happens. I've added my name. Join me? action.electoral-reform.org.uk/page/201578/...
action.electoral-reform.org.uk
The PM used his big speech to promise to fix Westminster's broken voting system.
We've heard promises before. I've signed to make sure this one is kept. It takes 30 seconds
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Rob Blackie @robblackie.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
At the last election, as Mayoral candidate, I beat the Greens for the first time since 2008. We can do better in 2028 - but it will need a bold campaign, focused on fixing London’s police and on cheaper housing. Join my campaign to be Liberal Democrat Mayor at rob4london.com
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Lib Dem Peers @libdempeers.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Conservative peers voted today to scrap a climate duty their own government wrote into law. The House of Lords outvoted them by 258 votes to 109.
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Rob Blackie @robblackie.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Thanks very much to everybody who joined today's Stockwell community clear up - where people were so enthusiastic it was hard to stop them tidying at the end! #wombles And thanks for support from @mlcenterprise @brixtonbid
Stockwell clear up team with less than half the rubbish we cleared up!Rob training volunteersHappy litter pickers Tam Langley in the streets
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Matt J. McLaren @mattjmclaren.com · 10/09/2026
@libdems.org.uk are calling for new UK–EU Growth & Defence Partnership that will get British businesses back in the Single Market & Customs Union to boost growth and cut the cost of living, as well as deepening cooperation on defence, intelligence, and cyber security. #EU www.libdems.org.uk/trade
libdems.org.uk
A New Deal with Europe
Liberal Democrats are calling for the UK to join the single market and customs union, to fix the damage done by Brexit and get our country back on track.
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Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 09/09/2026
Donald Trump is trying to bully AI firms not to engage with Britain’s AI Safety Institute. He’s making the world less safe. The UK must stand up to him.
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Liberals and Democrats for Nature and Climate (LDNC) @ldnc-uk.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Over the course of this last year communities across the UK have felt the impacts of climate change, experiencing extreme weather events, including flooding and droughts. This damage is being felt by communities across the country, but farmers are on the front lines of climate change.
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Will Jennings📉🗳️ @drjennings.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
static.klipy.com
Just When I Thought I Was Out
ALT: Just When I Thought I Was Out
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Lib Dem Peers @libdempeers.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Reform spent £645,000 on a polling firm with no Companies House entry, no social media presence, and ten missing invoices. @markpackuk.bsky.social said: "Transparency rules are a fundamental part of how we protect our democracy... they could, and should, do better." bylinetimes.com/2026/08/28/r...
bylinetimes.com
Reform's £645,000 'Ghost' Pollster
Exclusive: Payments to a business with no public footprint and a string of missing invoices are raising fresh questions about Reform UK's campaign spending
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Roz Savage MP @rozsavage.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
What should Liberalism look like? We have always been good at being evidence-led, practical and reasonable, but competence is not a destination. Liberalism should feel radical.
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Matt J. McLaren @mattjmclaren.com · 23/08/2026
This is an excellent article by @libdems.org.uk MP @rozsavage.bsky.social. I highly recommend those who want to know more about what #liberal solutions to Britain's problems might look like have a read of this... www.libdemvoice.org/roz-savage-m... #LibDems #AntiPopulism
libdemvoice.org
Roz Savage MP writes: Liberalism is having a Moment. But does it have a future?
Liberalism seems to be going through an identity crisis. Within a few months, three very different thinkers have published books asking the same question: what has happened to Liberalism, and what wou...
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Matt J. McLaren @mattjmclaren.com · 15/08/2026
Record-breaking heat, wildfires, train derailments, water shortages, and huge pressure on energy & critical infrastructure are not distant threats, they're today's reality. The climate crisis is here, now! So Conservatives & Reform/Restore need to wake up and get their heads out the sand!
An ostrich wearing a blue rosette stands with its head in the sand as the British landscape around it is engulfed in flames.
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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 13/08/2026
We need cross-party leadership on the climate crisis. Preparing communities for extreme weather while moving away from fossil fuels and protecting families, farmers, the NHS and our economy. @PippaHeylings.bsky.social
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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 03/08/2026
This is a stark warning: the climate emergency is here, yet the Government moves at a snail’s pace. It's time for a national strategy: funding cool hubs for vulnerable groups, mandating cooling and ventilation in new homes, supporting drought-affected farmers and heat-proofing NHS facilities.
2026: The driest July since records began — bold headline over a close-up of parched, straw-like grass, with an orange "MET WARNING" band at the top and the Liberal Democrats logo at the bottom.
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Peter Walker @peterwalker99.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
X is currently full of posts falsely naming Christi Hill and another officer as having arrested Henry Nowak. One names and pictures the other PC, saying, "Wanted: dead or alive". It gives his address. What more exactly will it take to get UK MPs, ministers and departments off that hellsite?
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Marie Goldman MP @mariecgoldman.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
The Government has finally published the revised draft Code of Practice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission. I will be studying it very carefully to understand its practical applications and implications.
gov.uk
Equality Act 2010: Draft Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations, 2026
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Lib Dem Peers @libdempeers.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
The immigration minister couldn't say how tall the London Eye is — yet it's a question migrants must answer to settle in Britain. Don Foster, Lib Dem peer and chair of the Justice and Home Affairs Committee, challenged him on it.
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Winchmore Hill Liberal Democrats @winchmoreliberals.uk · 20/05/2026
Labour 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘴 good game on Europe but it's #LibDems calling for UK-EU Customs Union. #Labour Govt was elected on promise to deliver GROWTH & lower cost of living. No1 thing would be to remove costly Brexit barriers erected by Tories (supported by Reform). Will Labour put money where their mouth is?
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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 19/05/2026
Liberal Democrats have always been clear that Britain’s future lies back in the EU, and we have a credible plan to get there - starting with a UK-EU customs union.
Quote from Al Pinkerton which reads: Liberal Democrats have always been clear that Britain’s future lies back in the EU, and we have a credible plan to get there.
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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 19/05/2026
Our amendment on the order paper for tomorrow - calling on the UK government to negotiate a customs union with the EU, as the first step to getting back to the heart of Europe. We hope all those Labour MPs quietly agreeing with us will do the right thing and vote for our amendment tomorrow.
Amendment (l)
Ed Davey
Daisy Cooper
Wendy Chamberlain
Calum Miller
Lisa Smart
Dr Al Pinkerton 

At end add 'but respectfully regret that the Gracious Speech fails to outline proposals to negotiate a UK-EU Customs Union; and call on the Government to open negotiations with the EU on creating a UK-EU Customs Union, to start fixing the damage done to the British economy by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement
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Winchmore Hill Liberal Democrats @winchmoreliberals.uk · 19/05/2026
Liberal Democrat member of the London Assembly Gareth Roberts, has become the new chair of its Environment Committee. The Lib Dem AM said “From tackling persistent problems like fly-tipping to improving access to green spaces, our work will focus on how we..." enfielddispatch.co.uk/new-chair-of...
enfielddispatch.co.uk
New chair of London Assembly chosen
Conservative Andrew Boff has held the important role twice previously
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Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
There's not something in the air that means you cross the Merton-to-Wandsworth local authority border and the exact same type of person is sighing and going 'ugh, guess I gotta settle for the Tories or Labour' but the local Lib Dems are not gonna get into contention there by door-knocking alone.
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Matt J. McLaren @mattjmclaren.com · 18/05/2026
Liberalism is all about challenging & dismantling concentrations of power, redistributing this power back into the hands of ordinary people so we can control our own lives. Historically & philosophically, the liberal instinct has been to re-evaluate, reform, and remake systems and institutions...
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Matt J. McLaren @mattjmclaren.com · 18/05/2026
Liberalism is all about challenging & dismantling concentrations of power, redistributing this power back into the hands of ordinary people so we can control our own lives. Historically & philosophically, the liberal instinct has been to re-evaluate, reform, and remake systems and institutions...
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Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 18/05/2026
Social media giants should not be allowed to pay politicians for extreme posts that maximise engagement. Foreign funding of unregulated digital ads must cease. And those who promote political violence should not be allow to fund campaigns.
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Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 18/05/2026
3. Finally - an immediate step is to stop the flow of foreign money into our politics, which is bolstering the extreme far right. It is unacceptable that people like Elon Musk are able to give out cash while calling for political violence.
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Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 18/05/2026
Though smaller than last year, the Unite the Kingdom march over the weekend was still sickening. The resurgence of out-and-out racism in the UK, from demands for remigration of British Asians to Antisemitic slurs on placards at both demonstrations, demands we meet this moment.
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Rob Blackie @robblackie.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
And now one of the Greens elected to Lambeth ,who was arrested on suspicion of stirring racial hatred and then suspended, has resigned. £1,000s on a by election because the Greens didn't screen their candidates properly.
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Steve Akehurst @steveakehurst.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
As others (@owenwntr.bsky.social, MiC etc) have noted, social attitudes cut by financial security is quite a neat prism. Financially insecure social liberals going Green, financially insecure conservatives Reform. Lab & LD left with financially secure liberals. Con higher with secure cons.
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Matt J. McLaren @mattjmclaren.com · 13/05/2026
Vote Reform, get absolute chaos! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #ReformChaos
bbc.co.uk
'Chaos' at council: could Reform split in Worcestershire?
Reform Councillor Alan Amos could face a fresh challenge from his own group.
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Andrew Teale @andrewteale.me.uk · 23/04/2026
A gold star to Laurence Williams of Bexley, who is standing for election this May for the Greens - which I think is his tenth political party. It takes some political journey to stand for both UKIP and Rejoin EU. candidates.democracyclub.org.uk/person/6615/...
1994 Bexley council election: independent candidate for Sidcup East ward
1998 Bexley council election: Official Monster Raving Loony Party candidate for Sidcup East ward
2002 Bexley council election: UKIP candidate for Cray Meadows ward
2006 Bexley council election: independent candidate for Cray Meadows ward
2010 general election: English Democrats candidate for Erith and Thamesmead
2010 Bexley council election: English Democrats candidate for Cray Meadows ward
2014 European Parliament election: 5th on Christian Peoples Alliance list for London
2014 Bexley council election: Christian Peoples Alliance candidate for Cray Meadows ward
2015 general election: Christian Party candidate for Old Bexley and Sidcup
2018 Bexley council election: Liberal candidate for Sidcup ward
2019 general election: Gwlad candidate for Vale of Glamorgan
2021 Senedd election: Gwlad candidate for Monmouth, and second on Gwlad list for South Wales East
2022 Bexley council election: SDP candidate for Sidcup ward
2024 London Assembly election: 10th on Rejoin EU list
2026 Bexley council election: Green Party candidate for Sidcup ward
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Winchmore Hill Liberal Democrats @winchmoreliberals.uk · 24/04/2026
The greenest councils in England are Liberal Democrat-run, not Green-led! If you want more recycling in Winchmore Hill then #VoteLibDem on 7th May manifesto-2026.enfield-libdems.org.uk
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Lib Dem Peers @libdempeers.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Lib Dems: 8 of the top 10 for recycling in England. Greens: Their only majority council ranks 162nd Talk is cheap. Recycling rates aren't.
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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 09/04/2026
Liberal Democrats get things done. We don’t do division. We do potholes and police officers, church roofs and clean rivers. We focus on the local issues that matter to you. Vote Liberal Democrat on 7th May.
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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 22/03/2026
Less than 24 hours after dropping a candidate list full of cranks and failed Tories, Malcolm Offord and Reform have shown their true colours. Whatever your political beliefs, this hateful bile should be called out for what it is.
Daily Record: "Reform UK refuses to sack candidate who backed Tommy Robinson and called for Muslims to be deported
Malcolm Offord is under pressure over the appointment of Holyrood candidates who have shared extreme opinions. "
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Matt J. McLaren @mattjmclaren.com · 20/03/2026
The UK Government should not be sending HM The King on a state visit to Trump's White House. Please sign this petition calling on the Prime Minister to cancel the visit. #Trump #King #IranWar www.libdems.org.uk/cancelkingsv...
libdems.org.uk
Tell Starmer: Cancel The King's Visit
The King should not have to meet with a bully who ignores international law and insults our country and our brave troops.
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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 19/03/2026
Reform and the Conservatives are happy to cheer on Trump’s illegal Iran war that's sending prices, bills and mortgages soaring.
TEXT: New mortgages up by £800 a year amid 'Trumpflation' from Iran War 

IMAGE: Kemi and Nigel Farage Laughing in front of a house.
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Winchmore Hill Liberal Democrats @winchmoreliberals.uk · 18/03/2026
Despite the massive and entirely foreseeable impact on everyone right here in Enfield paying energy bills, for petrol, or applying for a mortgage; both Reform UK and the Conservatives have been cheerleaders for Trump's illegal and ill-conceived war from the start.
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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 17/03/2026
We are the party that believes the best in Britain, not the worst. We fight because we know things can get better. And just as in past tough times - Liberals will show the way through.
Ed Speech Graphic that reads:
Things Can Get Better. Not a slogan – a historical truth. The Liberal hope, optimism and reality others won’t say. Britain has been through incredibly tough times in the past – and each time, Liberals have helped show the way through.
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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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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 14/03/2026
@jamesmaccleary.bsky.social gives us the low-down on his Spring Conference 2026 speech and the Lib Dem plan to rearm Britain and rebuild our alliances.
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Matt J. McLaren @mattjmclaren.com · 20/02/2026
This is disgusting but not surprising. All animals deserve quality of life, especially those who are sacrificed to satiate humans' taste for them. But 'franken-chickens' - as the nickname suggests - are unnatural abominations of nature... [1/3] www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #AnimalWelfare
bbc.co.uk
KFC, Nando's, and others ditch chicken welfare pledge as demand soars
Wingstop, Burger King, and others have walked away from an industry commitment to avoid using fast-growing chickens
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Matt J. McLaren @mattjmclaren.com · 14/02/2026
Very disappointing judgment from the UK Supreme Court. I maintain that not only is 'soya milk' a perfectly reasonable description but is quite obviously a clearer and much more easily understood one than 'non-fermented soy-based high protein plant drink'! plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/fo...
plantbasednews.org
Oatly Banned From Marketing Plant-Based Products As Milk In The UK
Oatly has been banned from marketing its plant-based products as “milk” in the UK, including the use of its "post-milk generation" slogan
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Rob Blackie @robblackie.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Looking bad for Labour in South London when former Labour mayors of Southwark & Lambeth are voting for us this May. Welcome to all the many former Labour voters who are voting for us now.
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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
One reason I've been so bearish on the Tories over the past few years is I don't see a route out for them. They can't beat Reform on the right and they've lost their liberal vote.
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Matt J. McLaren @mattjmclaren.com · 29/01/2026
I just signed the campaign calling to save our swifts, by calling for the UK Government to follow Scotland's lead and make it the law for all new houses to be built with "swift bricks" - safe places for these birds to nest. Will you join me? 38d.gs/sb_ps_ot #UKnature
38d.gs
Save our swifts: include swift bricks in every new house
I just signed the campaign calling to save our swifts, by calling for the UK Government to follow Scotland's lead and make it the law for all new houses to be built with "swift bricks" - safe places f...
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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 28/01/2026
The United Kingdom is at its best when we’re true to our values: tolerance, decency, respect for individual freedom and the rule of law. We can't let Nigel Farage throw that all away by turning Britain into Trump’s America. Choose a brighter future with the Liberal Democrats.
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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Congrats to the Lib Dems for their successful local elections campaign.
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Matt J. McLaren @mattjmclaren.com · 28/01/2026
The #Conservatives haven't been a party for centrist & moderate voters for a v long time and - despite recent efforts from the likes of Andy Street & Ruth Davidson - Kemi Badenoch has just made it absolutely clear that they will be continuing down the road of being Reform-lite... [1/2] #UKpolitics
linkedin.com
Centrist ideas no longer wanted in Conservative party, says Kemi Badenoch | Matt McLaren
I rarely post political content here on LinkedIn, but I very much feel duty bound to share this message with fellow business owners/managers in the United Kingdom. The fact is that the Conservatives ...
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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Jenrick saying he's "put aside personal ambition" too join Reform is the single most shameless statement I've ever heard. If he "put aside personal ambition" he'd disappear. That's all there is.
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