Information between 20th May 2026 - 30th May 2026
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20 May 2026 - Defence Readiness - View Vote Context James MacCleary voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 61 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 307 Noes - 171 |
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20 May 2026 - Defence Readiness - View Vote Context James MacCleary voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 59 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 78 Noes - 408 |
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James MacCleary speeches from: Defence Readiness
James MacCleary contributed 6 speeches (1,483 words) Wednesday 20th May 2026 - Commons Chamber Ministry of Defence |
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Choirs: Tax Allowances
Asked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes) Wednesday 20th May 2026 Question to the HM Treasury: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she will examine the potential merits of extending tax relief for orchestras to include choirs. Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury) The Government recognises the importance of the creative industries, including orchestras, and supports them through funding and through the tax system. Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) provides tax relief on production costs and provided around £50 million of support in 2023-24. There is currently no other country in the world which offers such a tax relief for orchestras.
In considering any changes to existing tax reliefs or introducing new ones, Government has to consider a wide range of factors, including the specific aims of the relief, the costs and complexity of designing and administering new provisions, and fairness. Decisions on tax are taken by the Chancellor at fiscal events, in the context of overall public finances.
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Navy: Hospital Ships
Asked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes) Thursday 21st May 2026 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many operational vessels are currently available to the Royal Navy with hospital or casualty receiving facilities. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) All Royal Navy major surface combatants have integral medical facilities capable of receiving and treating casualties. The availability and scale of these is dependent on operational tasking. Both Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, all the Type 45 destroyers and the three Bay Class RFAs are capable of delivering consultant-led pre- and deployed hospital patient care. This comprehensive facility is also incorporated into the design of Type 26 City-class Frigates.
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Defence: Finance
Asked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes) Thursday 21st May 2026 Question to the HM Treasury: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of using defence bonds as a way to finance capital-intensive commitments in the Strategic Defence Review. Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury This Government has announced a significant uplift in defence spending over the Spending Review period. This uplift is underpinned by our non-negotiable fiscal rules; reducing borrowing whilst investing in defence to keep the UK and allies safe.
There are no plans to relax these fiscal rules, increase taxation or introduce defence bonds to support further defence spending. |
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Russia: Shipping
Asked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes) Thursday 21st May 2026 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Shadow fleet set to be interdicted in UK waters in latest blow to Russia, published on 25th of March 2026, which Royal Naval ships have been deployed to carry out this task. Answered by Al Carns The Royal Navy routinely deploys a range of maritime assets to monitor, track and, where appropriate, take action against vessels of concern in and around UK waters.
For reasons of operational security, it is the Department’s longstanding policy not to comment on the specific Royal Navy ships deployed to undertake such tasks. |
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Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority
Asked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes) Thursday 21st May 2026 Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what reason the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority includes Brighton in its name. Answered by Nesil Caliskan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) The name ‘Sussex and Brighton’ for the Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority reflects the make-up of the constituent councils. This is an approach taken in other areas, such as Cheshire and Warrington. The name of the Combined County Authority was a point that was raised by respondents in the consultation process on establishing the authority held last spring, which government carefully considered. Ultimately, the constituent councils have all agreed that the authority should be legally named the ‘Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority. |
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Palantir: Disclosure of Information
Asked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes) Friday 22nd May 2026 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what data do Palantir’s Forward Deployed Engineers have access to within the Ministry of Defence. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) Forward Deployed Engineers only have access to the data needed to undertake their specific tasks, they do not have unrestricted access to Defence data. Access is strictly limited, approved and controlled by the Ministry of Defence through role-based permissions, contractual safeguards and oversight arrangements, with all data remaining sovereign to the Department, and under the Department’s control at all times. |
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Shipbuilding
Asked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes) Friday 22nd May 2026 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when does he plan to issue an update to the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) This Government is fully committed to supporting our sovereign shipbuilding and maritime technology industries, which collectively offer high potential as an engine for growth.
The National Shipbuilding Office is currently developing a new Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology Action Plan with the aim to publish later in 2026.
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Minesweepers
Asked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes) Friday 22nd May 2026 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve mine hunting capabilities. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The Ministry of Defence is improving mine hunting capabilities through the development and introduction of autonomous, remote and uncrewed systems under the Programme of Record Mine Hunting Capability Block 1 and 2 programmes. |
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Type 83 Destroyers: Procurement
Asked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes) Friday 22nd May 2026 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on the Type 83 design process; and whether it will be ready by 2038. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) I refer the hon. Member to my response to question 106653:
The Type 83 concept is currently under review against the Royal Navy’s Hybrid Navy Strategy. Future business case approval remains subject to the Defence Investment Plan. |
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Arms Trade: Seized Articles
Asked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes) Friday 22nd May 2026 Question to the Department for Business and Trade: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what the content was of the consignments with UK arms export codes ML10 and ML5 seized by Belgian authorities in Liege on 24 March 2026. Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade) We do not routinely comment on individual licensing cases for reasons of commercial sensitivity. The UK Strategic Export Control list contains detailed information on items classified under the relevant control list entries, including ML5 and ML10. UK export licences for items which might be used in military operations in Gaza remain suspended, in line with the Business and Trade Secretary’s statement to Parliament on 2 September 2024. Exports of military equipment to Israel must comply with the terms of this suspension, and other relevant UK regulations. Compliance with Belgian transit policies is a matter for Belgian authorities. |
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Navy
Asked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes) Friday 22nd May 2026 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps he has taken on (1) Project Beehive, (2) the Marine Mine Counter Measures programme, (3) SeaCat and (4) the repairs to HMS Bangor. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The Royal Navy has a comprehensive Mine Warfare capability across crewed ships and an increasing number of uncrewed systems. The updates requested are listed below:
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UK Town of Culture
Asked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes) Thursday 28th May 2026 Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when her department plans to announce the UK Town of Culture. Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) We are delighted by the interest and excitement there has been in the UK Town of Culture competition. We have seen an incredible amount of support from across the whole country with hundreds of towns submitting their bid to become the UK Town of Culture 2028. The panel is carefully considering the applications and we expect to announce a shortlist later this summer. We will announce the category winners and overall winner in early 2027.
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| Early Day Motions Signed |
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Tuesday 2nd June James MacCleary signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo 36 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Danny Chambers (Liberal Democrat - Winchester) That this House notes with grave concern the recent declaration of a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the Democratic Republic of Congo following 904 suspected cases and 119 suspected deaths from Ebola for which there is currently no vaccine or effective treatment; … |
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Monday 1st June James MacCleary signed this EDM on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 Draft Code of Practice on Services, public functions and associations 134 signatures (Most recent: 12 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Nadia Whittome (Labour - Nottingham East) That the draft Code of Practice for Services, public functions and associations, a copy of which was laid before this House on 21 May, be disapproved. |
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Monday 18th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 29 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026) Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House believes the publication of the Warm Homes Plan in January 2026 was a welcome step after long delays from the Government; condemns that delays meant vulnerable households were left without the anticipated support to upgrade homes and cut energy bills in winter 2024-25, and again for winter … |
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Wednesday 13th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 24 signatures (Most recent: 3 Jun 2026) Tabled by: Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat - Glastonbury and Somerton) That this House expresses concern regarding the significant downturn of the farmgate milk price at a point where the cost of production is increasing; recognises the challenges to farmers unless the cost of production can be reduced; further recognises that the milk price drop follows an unprecedented dry summer causing … |
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Wednesday 13th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 Fruit and vegetable aid scheme 29 signatures (Most recent: 3 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale) That this House regrets the Government’s decision to close the fruit and vegetable aid scheme in December 2025; further regrets the lack of clarity for the sector about funding arrangements beyond this date; understands this scheme previously supported increased productivity and innovation in the sector, providing nutritious food for our … |
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Wednesday 13th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 28 signatures (Most recent: 3 Jun 2026) Tabled by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale) That this House believes that all new homes should be built to a zero carbon standard; urges the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to grant local councils and national park authorities the powers to enforce the future home standard for all new homes; calls for all … |
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Monday 18th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 UK-US Trade Deal and animal welfare and farming 29 signatures (Most recent: 5 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House notes with concern the announcement on 8 May 2025 of the UK-US Trade Deal which significantly expands tariff-free access for US beef exports from 1,000 to 13,000 tonnes annually; further notes that while the Government has stated that sanitary and phytosanitary standards must be maintained, the deal … |
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Monday 18th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 UNESCO World Heritage status for chalk streams in England 32 signatures (Most recent: 5 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House recognises that chalk streams are among the rarest freshwater habitats on Earth, with around 200 known globally and approximately 85% found in England; notes that these unique rivers support exceptional biodiversity, including Atlantic salmon, water vole, brown trout, southern damselfly and white-clawed crayfish; further notes the internationally … |
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Monday 18th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 Climate Change Committee's seventh Carbon Budget 24 signatures (Most recent: 11 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House recognises the Climate Change Committee (CCC)’s seventh carbon budget as a clear pathway to UK energy security, protecting families and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices controlled by authoritarian regimes; is deeply concerned by the CCC's findings that the UK has deliverable plans for only a third … |
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Monday 18th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 Fracking moratorium and onshore fossil fuel exploration 17 signatures (Most recent: 9 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House welcomes the Government’s continued commitment to the fracking moratorium, but expresses concern that current legislation defines hydraulic fracturing only by high fluid volume thresholds, excluding lower-volume techniques such as proppant squeeze which have previously caused seismic events, including at Preston New Road in Lancashire; notes that such … |
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Monday 18th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 Protection and restoration of ancient woodland 37 signatures (Most recent: 4 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Andrew George (Liberal Democrat - St Ives) That this House recognises the rich biodiversity of ancient woodlands across the United Kingdom, and their vital role in meeting the nation’s climate and biodiversity obligations as set out in the Environment Act 2021; notes that ancient woodland, those that have existed since at least 1600, covers just 2.5% of … |
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Monday 18th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 79 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026) Tabled by: Steve Witherden (Labour - Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr) That this House expresses grave concern at the executive order signed on 29 January 2026 by US President Donald Trump, which unjustifiably declares Cuba as an “extraordinary threat” to the national security of the United States and authorises new sanctions against any country supplying oil to Cuba; notes that Cuba … |
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Monday 18th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 Energy prices for households and businesses 28 signatures (Most recent: 9 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House notes the recent surge in global gas prices following the 2026 Iran War and disruption to liquefied natural gas supply; expresses deep concern that families could see their energy bills rise by £500 a year as a result of instability in global energy markets; recognises the millions … |
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Monday 18th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement 25 signatures (Most recent: 9 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House condemns President Trump’s formal withdrawal from the Paris Agreement; criticises this reckless decision to ignore the climate crisis and continue the extraction of fossil fuels; further condemns the breakdown of climate consensus that this has given rise to in the UK; notes the devastating impacts of America … |
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Monday 18th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 23 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026) Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House condemns proposals to scrap the Climate Change Act 2008 and upend the scientific and political consensus on the need to tackle climate change; understands that meeting the UK’s legally binding net zero target by 2050 is our best chance to limit warming to 1.5°C and avoid the … |
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Monday 18th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 Nuclear Regulatory Review and habitats regulations 26 signatures (Most recent: 3 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House recognises the overwhelming public support for nature and understands that restoring the natural environment is critical to public health and a strong, sustainable and resilient economy; expresses concern that recommendations in the Nuclear Regulatory Review may weaken habitats regulations and undermine legal protections for our most important … |
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Monday 18th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 24 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026) Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House celebrates reports that renewable energy overtook coal as the world's leading energy source in the first half of 2025; notes that solar and wind power have met and outpaced new global energy demand, supporting economic growth and energy security; highlights that solar energy in particular was key … |
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Tuesday 19th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 30 signatures (Most recent: 8 Jun 2026) Tabled by: Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dorset and North Poole) That this House condemns the Knesset’s decision to approve its Penal Law in March 2026, which expands the use of the death penalty in both military and civilian courts; recognises that the law’s provisions will de facto apply exclusively to Palestinians; affirms that discriminating against Palestinians is inhumane and contravenes … |
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Tuesday 19th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 Rough sleeping, homelessness prevention and long-term housing support 29 signatures (Most recent: 9 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Zöe Franklin (Liberal Democrat - Guildford) That this House recognises there is a rough sleeping emergency; highlights with concern the findings of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee's rough sleeping inquiry, published on 14 February 2025, of gaps between public institutions and housing support which put vulnerable people at greater risk of rough sleeping following … |
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Tuesday 19th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 Local government and social care 31 signatures (Most recent: 12 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Zöe Franklin (Liberal Democrat - Guildford) That this House recognises that adult social care is the largest area of council spending after SEND provision; notes that in 2024-25 the gross current expenditure for local authorities in England on adult social care totalled £29.4 billion which was a 9% increase on the previous year in cash terms; … |
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Tuesday 19th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 16 signatures (Most recent: 1 Jun 2026) Tabled by: David Chadwick (Liberal Democrat - Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe) That this House believes that successive UK Governments have failed to provide Wales with the full range of devolved powers necessary to build a thriving economy, reduce poverty, and create sustainable and healthy communities; notes that successive commissions and reports have recommended the devolution of further powers from Westminster to … |
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Tuesday 19th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 31 signatures (Most recent: 8 Jun 2026) Tabled by: Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat - Glastonbury and Somerton) That this House celebrates Nature Friendly Farming Week, taking place from Monday 18 until Sunday 24 May; notes that this week is the Nature Friendly Farming Network’s annual celebration to recognising the invaluable efforts of farmers who work in harmony with nature; recognises this year’s theme, solutions for climate and … |
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Thursday 21st May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 28 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026) Tabled by: Max Wilkinson (Liberal Democrat - Cheltenham) That this House recognises that the right to peaceful protest and freedom of assembly is a cornerstone of a free and democratic society and insists that it must be safeguarded; expresses serious concern over the wide-ranging draconian anti-protest powers introduced by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and … |
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Thursday 21st May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 37 signatures (Most recent: 12 Jun 2026) Tabled by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath) That this House notes with concern the slow progress in advancing negotiations with the European Union on youth mobility, educational exchange and wider people-to-people cooperation following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union; recognises the cultural, educational and economic benefits that reciprocal youth mobility arrangements provide to young people, … |
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Thursday 21st May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026 44 signatures (Most recent: 9 Jun 2026) Tabled by: Alison Bennett (Liberal Democrat - Mid Sussex) That this House supports Carers Week 2026, taking place from 8 to 14 June 2026; recognises that this year’s theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, highlights the importance of creating supportive environments for unpaid carers; notes that millions of unpaid carers looking after family members and friends often face significant challenges … |
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Wednesday 20th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Thursday 21st May 2026 Safety of British nationals following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla 38 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife) That this House is gravely concerned for the safety of British nationals, including Dr Antonis Vradis, Malcolm Ducker and Hugh Stirling, following the recent interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla during its humanitarian mission to deliver aid to Gaza; notes that previous aid flotillas have also been boarded, with British … |
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Wednesday 20th May James MacCleary signed this EDM on Thursday 21st May 2026 UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures agreement 30 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026)Tabled by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath) That this House welcomes the Government’s commitment to negotiate a new UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement as part of efforts to improve relations with the European Union; notes with concern, however, that negotiations have so far lacked the urgency and ambition needed to deliver meaningful economic benefits for British … |
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Wednesday 20th May James MacCleary withdrew their signature from this EDM on Thursday 28th May 2026 15 signatures (Most recent: 3 Jun 2026) Tabled by: Neil Duncan-Jordan (Labour - Poole) That this House supports the National Association of Retired Police Officers' Love or Money campaign that seeks to highlight the unfair position that police widows and widowers in England, Wales and Scotland face due to the current Police Pension Regulations 1987, which removes access to their pensions when they marry … |
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Note: Cited speaker in live transcript data may not always be accurate. Check video link to confirm. |
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20 May 2026, 1:58 p.m. - House of Commons " I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson, James MacCleary. spokesperson, James MacCleary. >> Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. If His Majesty's most gracious speech was meant to show that this government has grasped the scale of " James MacCleary MP (Lewes, Liberal Democrat) - View Video - View Transcript |
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20 May 2026, 2:01 p.m. - House of Commons "don't use the word you or your James MacCleary. >> The Liberal Democrats have reaffirmed our commitment to our " James MacCleary MP (Lewes, Liberal Democrat) - View Video - View Transcript |
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20 May 2026, 6:59 p.m. - House of Commons "noes have it. The noes have it unlock. I call James MacCleary to " Division - View Video - View Transcript |
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20 May 2026, 6:59 p.m. - House of Commons "unlock. I call James MacCleary to move. Amendment L formally. The " Division - View Video - View Transcript |
| Parliamentary Debates |
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Defence Readiness
209 speeches (50,921 words) Wednesday 20th May 2026 - Commons Chamber Ministry of Defence Mentions: 1: Andrew Murrison (Con - South West Wiltshire) Member for Lewes (James MacCleary) generously allowed me to make, of pressure from our then partner in - Link to Speech 2: Max Wilkinson (LD - Cheltenham) Friend the Member for Lewes (James MacCleary) about the need to reintegrate with Europe as soon as we - Link to Speech 3: John Healey (Lab - Rawmarsh and Conisbrough) Member for Lewes (James MacCleary). - Link to Speech |