James MacCleary
MP for Lewes
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Severe pregnancy sickness—hyperemesis gravidarum, or HG—can mean vomiting more than 20 times a day. It causes physical discomfort, acute malnutrition and severe dehydration, which often leads to hospitalisation. It has profound and long-lasting mental health consequences. It was recently reported that a woman took her own life after being denied access to the only licensed treatment, Xonvea—tragically, her unborn child died too. The drug is licensed and available, yet women face a cruel postcode lottery to access it. Will the Prime Minister work urgently with the Department of Health and Social Care to end this scandal, so that every woman who needs Xonvea can get it, wherever she lives? Will he meet with me and campaigners to look at this as a matter of urgency?
Context
A woman died tragically after being denied access to the only licensed treatment, Xonvea, leading to her unborn child's death. The drug is available but faces a postcode lottery.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this really important issue. I am obviously incredibly sorry to hear about the tragic case that he mentions. As he will know, the availability of this drug is regulated across the NHS by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which makes decisions on which treatments provide the best care for patients while maintaining value for money for the taxpayer. I will make sure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to see what more can be done to get this treatment to patients who need it.
Assessment
Did not commit to concrete actions or timelines, only offered a meeting
Session: PMQs
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Q3. On Monday afternoon, a four-year-old girl was seriously injured after being hit by a car on Lewes Road, just off the A259 in Newhaven in my constituency. I can report to the House that she is recovering well in hospital. Residents in Newhaven, Seaford and nearby Sussex coastal towns have been warning about how unsafe these roads are. Indeed, the county council submitted a fully costed plan for safety improvements on the A259 to the Government, but funding remains blocked. So I am appealing to the Prime Minister directly: will he personally intervene to unblock the funding needed to make the A259 and surrounding roads safer, to ensure that there is never a repeat of such an incident?
Paula Barker
I am very sorry to hear of the incident that the hon. Member cites. My sympathies are with the family, and I think I would send the best wishes of the whole House to the family and to that little girl. He speaks about the A259, and I do hear a lot about this road because it runs through the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven (Chris Ward). I know that it needs addressing, and I know how strongly they have both been in raising this and campaigning on it. A decision will be set our shortly. I think the hon. Member has met the Roads Minister, but I will make sure he is kept fully updated on developments.
Session: PMQs
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The Government’s expansion of funded childcare from September is welcome, but early years settings face a critical staffing crisis that could make expanded provision practically impossible. Not enough applicants, a lack of qualifications, low salaries and high turnover mean that many nurseries are operating well below capacity. Many now find themselves operating at a loss, due to increased national insurance contributions. Can the Deputy Prime Minister outline what clear steps the Government are taking to address the crisis in early years staffing to ensure that all our children get the best possible start in life?
Context
Early years settings face a critical staffing crisis due to lack of applicants, low salaries, and high turnover. This could jeopardize the expansion of funded childcare.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
First of all, I will out one of my kids in the Gallery, because he has just completed his studies on early years, so hopefully that will add a little help. We inherited a depleted early years sector, but we are determined to make sure that all children have the best possible start in life. That is why we are delivering the largest ever uplift to the early years pupil premium, boosting family hubs and Start for Life, funded by £126 million this year, and investing £370 million to create tens of thousands of places in new and expanded school-based nurseries.
Session: PMQs
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Last month, a widely reported study from Aston Business School showed that UK goods exports to the EU are 27% down, and imports are 32% lower than they would otherwise have been, thanks to the Conservatives' failed Brexit deal. Will the Deputy Prime Minister tell me what steps the Government are taking as part of their reset with the EU to cut Brexit red tape for small businesses, to help our economy get growing again?
Context
A recent study indicated a significant drop in UK goods exports and imports to the EU since Brexit.
Angela Rayner
I welcome the hon. Member to his place. He is right to advocate for small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. This Government are turning the page on the relationship with Europe, reinvigorating alliances and forging new partnerships rather than reopening the divisions of the past. We will improve the UK's trade and investment relationship with the EU, tearing down unnecessary barriers to trade.
Assessment
Did not specify steps being taken or timeline for reducing red tape
Session: PMQs
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Last month, 12 protesters were arrested in Tbilisi just for displaying a banner criticising Georgian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who controls the Georgian Dream Government. The European Union and the United States have taken steps to sanction Mr Ivanishvili. When will the UK Government follow suit?
Context
12 protesters were arrested in Tbilisi for displaying a banner criticising Georgian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who controls the Georgian Dream Government. The European Union and the United States have taken steps to sanction Mr Ivanishvili.
Stephen Doughty
The hon. Gentleman knows that we do not comment on future designations, but we have sanctioned a number of individuals in Georgia in relation to actions. We urge Georgia to respect rights and freedoms and an inclusive and open democratic society.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-01
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Can the Minister update on progress of Operation Soteria and set out what action is being taken to improve rape case investigations in Sussex?
Context
Sussex has low conviction rates for rape cases, with Operation Soteria launched to improve the investigation and prosecution of such crimes.
Shabana Mahmood
All forces are implementing Operation Soteria, designed to help build the strongest possible case through tools, training and guidance. I will arrange a meeting with the Minister for Policing and Crime to discuss specific issues in Sussex.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2026-07-13
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What steps her Department is taking to help tackle violence against women and girls?
Context
The question addresses the government's commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, including steps already taken.
Shabana Mahmood
We have made a commitment to halve the levels of violence against women and girls in a decade. We are taking action including investment of £53 million, preventing children from viewing nude imagery online, protecting over 1000 victims through domestic abuse orders.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2026-07-13
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The UK must now further punish Putin for his aggression by banning all maritime services for the export of Russian oil, gas, and coal to cut off the lifeblood of his war economy. Ahead of tomorrow's NATO summit, will the government ask its allies to ban these services?
Context
As Russia expands its air campaign against Kyiv and other Ukrainian civilian targets, the UK is leading in supporting Ukraine. The recent sanctions announced by the Foreign Secretary are part of this support.
Dan Jarvis
I am grateful to raise the issue of support for Ukraine. While defence investment is contested, we agree on supporting Ukraine's allies. As Defence Secretary, I called my Ukrainian counterpart and provided £752 million in support within a week. We need continued effort, and I will work with the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to address this at the NATO summit.
Session: Russia Level of Threat to UK 2026-07-06
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Have the Secretary of State or his colleagues spoken to Mr Haldane about a defence bonds scheme? If not, will he commit to doing so?
Context
Concerns about underfunding in the Defence Investment Plan and proposal for innovative financing through defence bonds.
Dan Jarvis
I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman's analysis of the DIP, not least because it included £20 billion to rapidly increase the Army's lethality and nearly £64 billion of investment in the UK's nuclear enterprise. In addition, the defence investment plan will create up to 60,000 good, skilled jobs across the country.
Session: Defence Investment Plan 2026-07-06
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What steps are being taken to accelerate UK-Ukraine defence cooperation in counter-drone capabilities?
Context
Visiting Ukraine, the MP saw total devastation and innovative counter-drone tactics.
John Healey
The hon. Gentleman makes a really important argument. It was captured in the strategic defence review, and has been put into practice since. Within the last two weeks, I was with our troops in Estonia, close to the Russian frontline, learning lessons and implementing similar tactics and technologies.
Session: Russia Level of Threat
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In 99% of cases, PHSO recommendations are complied with, so does the Minister accept that singling out this group by not complying amounts to discrimination on the basis of sex and age? If not, what possible justification can the Minister offer?
Context
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has recommended compensation for millions of women affected by the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI). The PHSO recommendations are generally complied with in 99% of cases.
Torsten Bell
As I have previously said to this House, it is unusual but not unprecedented for the Government to take a different view from the PHSO. That does not mean that we have not taken its report incredibly seriously—I have also met its representatives—but as I have said, we set out the detailed reasons for the decision we came to in the response we laid in the House of Commons Library on 29 January.
Session: State Pension Age Changes Compensation
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Liberal Democrats share concerns about the whereabouts of the defence investment plan, and urge the Government to come forward with its publication. Last year's strategic defence review also promised a defence readiness Bill, which would give Governments the power to mobilise industry and reserves in a crisis, and would require proper reporting on our warfighting readiness, so that the House and the country were not in the dark.
Context
The question arises from concerns over the timing of both the publication of the defence investment plan and the introduction of the defence readiness Bill, which was promised in last year's strategic defence review. The bill aims to enhance national preparedness for war.
John Healey
I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's interest in the issue. He will recognise that, as was pointed out in the strategic defence review, this is a question for the whole of society and the whole of Government. Preparation for greater defence readiness, and greater societal and economic readiness, is going on at present, alongside the work that we are doing in defence with other parts of Government to ensure that we can deliver the defence investment plan. We will then be able to deliver, in due course, a defence readiness Bill.
Session: Defence Investment Plan
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The MP raises concerns about the future of the Ajax project affecting jobs in Merthyr Tydfil. He asks for a final decision on the programme and what can be said to workers waiting for clarity about their futures.
Context
Around 400 workers in Merthyr Tydfil are connected to the Ajax factory, and there have been hospitalisations of workers and risks to troops.
Luke Pollard
Safety investigations into Exercise Titan Storm have been initiated. The reports are being analysed, and further announcements will be made in due course. A dialogue is ongoing with General Dynamics and local MPs.
Session: Defence Jobs Wales
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Plumpton college in my constituency is celebrating 100 years of land-based education. It has gone from 17 students in 1926 to a nationally recognised centre for agriculture, viticulture and environmental studies, with more than 1,200 full and part-time students today. Farming and land-based producers are vital to our food security, rural economy and environmental stewardship. Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating Plumpton college on its centenary and set out how the Government will ensure that specialist agricultural colleges have the funding, certainty and support that they need for the next century?
Context
Plumpton college in the questioner's constituency is celebrating 100 years of land-based education, growing from 17 students in 1926 to a nationally recognized center for agriculture, viticulture and environmental studies with over 1,200 full and part-time students today. The questioner seeks assurance that the Government will ensure the college has the funding, certainty and support it needs for the next century.
Bridget Phillipson
I join the hon. Gentleman in celebrating the amazing success of his local college. We want to ensure that we provide the kinds of support that he talks about, and we are investing more in further education and post-16 education. If he would like to raise further areas, I will ensure that they are picked up by a Minister.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State give this proposal serious consideration as part of a clear, funded plan to plug the funding gaps and get defence investment moving?
Context
There is a £28 billion funding shortfall in the Ministry of Defence. James MacCleary proposes the use of defence bonds to raise funds, aiming to close part of this gap.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
We are working flat out to complete the DIP, and the hon. Gentleman above all, having been responsible for defence procurement in the last Government, will appreciate just how overcommitted his own programme is. He will appreciate the truth of his former boss saying that, over 14 years, the Conservatives had “hollowed out and underfunded” our armed forces.
Session: Support for Defence SMEs
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Will the Secretary of State reopen negotiations? Will he urge the Prime Minister to raise this matter directly with President Macron—perhaps in their reported WhatsApp group—and publish the Government’s cost-benefit analysis for joining SAFE, including the entry price that they judge to be acceptable?
Context
Reported collapse of November's talks on UK access to the EU’s €150 billion SAFE defence fund, with France reportedly driving the impasse. The questioner seeks reopening of negotiations and direct engagement between Prime Minister and President Macron.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
I, too, want a closer defence partnership with Europe. That is why we set that out in the Prime Minister’s announcement on the EU reset. We will continue working closely with not just the European Union, but European Union member states, the majority of which are NATO members. That will support their security. We are an important player on the international defence scene, and it is important that UK businesses are able to access markets, not just for the purposes of economic growth, but because that keeps European Union member states safe.
Session: Security Action for Europe Fund
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Does the Home Secretary not appreciate how worrying it is to hear about the numbers of young people leaving this country? These people are literally the future of this country. What measures is her Department taking to disincentivise young people from emigrating? Does she agree that a youth mobility scheme with the European Union would help?
Context
MP noted concerns about the number of young people leaving the country and their importance to the future.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)
I repeat that the numbers have stayed relatively flat. I think that the hon. Member is imputing a motive to those individuals that has not yet been stood up by any of the data or the evidence. He will know that we are pursuing discussions in relation to a youth mobility scheme with our partners in Europe.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can he confirm that the UK rejected access to the €150 billion EU SAFE—Security Action for Europe—defence fund, at a proposed cost of about £2 billion? Can he set out whether that is the correct figure, and explain whether his Department has estimated how much investment and industrial benefit could have flowed to the UK defence sector through our participation?
Context
The European Union has established a €150 billion SAFE defence fund, but the UK has rejected access to this funding. There are concerns about missed opportunities for growth and security.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
We signed the European Union security and defence partnership in May. We committed ourselves to negotiating with the European Union for access to the SAFE funding arrangements, but we were unable to reach a deal due to value-for-money concerns.
Session: Defence Spending Economic Growth
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Does the Secretary of State accept that relying on US-owned nuclear weapons for new F-35A jets compromises British operational security, given potential US authorization requirements? Given the Public Accounts Committee's concerns about full cost assessment, how can this represent value for money?
Context
Concerns over the US-owned nuclear weapons used in F-35A jets and the lack of full cost assessment for the programme.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
I fundamentally disagree with the hon. Gentleman. We are committed to purchasing F-35As so that Britain can play a full part in NATO’s DCA nuclear mission, reinforcing European defence and our nuclear deterrence.
Session: Topical Questions
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A local restaurateur who operates in the village of Alfriston in my constituency recently came to see me at an advice surgery to talk about the challenges he faces, including increased national insurance costs, the minimum wage, sky-high business rates and rent, and ever increasing energy and utility costs. Most months he struggles to turn a profit at all. I recently heard a similar story from the landlords at the Elephant & Castle pub. Does the Minister understand that these Government policies are making it impossible for small businesses such as those to succeed, and will she meet hospitality businesses in my constituency to learn more?
Context
A local restaurateur in Alfriston faces increased national insurance costs, minimum wage requirements, sky-high business rates and rent, and ever-increasing energy and utility costs. The business struggles to turn a profit each month.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Kate Dearden)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising those issues. I am more than happy to meet representatives from the hospitality sector and industries across the country to understand their questions and the challenges they face.
Session: Topical Questions
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Cuts to adult social care, collapsing support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, roads full of potholes—the list goes on. The Conservatives have failed East Sussex for too long and should be held to account. Another delay would mean that the current administration will have their term extended to six years. Can the Secretary of State give me and residents across East Sussex a clear answer on when we will know if we will have the chance to vote this May?
Context
The MP is concerned about cuts to adult social care, collapsing support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, roads full of potholes in East Sussex. The current administration's term could be extended to six years if elections are cancelled.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)
First, I recognise the circumstances that the hon. Member describes, which were left behind by the previous Government’s approach to local government funding. As I said earlier, it remains the Government’s intention that those elections will go ahead as scheduled, unless there is a very strong justification otherwise. That is what will happen.
Session: East Sussex County Council Elections
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I recently spoke to David who farms near the village of Berwick in my constituency and he told me that he has given up raising livestock altogether due to the lack of local abattoirs, his nearest option being well over an hour away. What action are the Government taking to support new and existing abattoirs so that farmers across the country in similar situations do not stop raising livestock too?
Context
David, a farmer near Berwick in James MacCleary's constituency, has stopped raising livestock due to the lack of local abattoirs. The nearest option is over an hour away.
Daniel Zeichner
The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point, and I visited an abattoir last week. Because of changes to the system over many years, we have seen a concentration of these facilities. We all want to see more small abattoirs. The previous Government introduced a fund, but it proved difficult to get uptake. There is a whole range of serious issues. We are very aware of the problem and want to work with him and others to solve it.
Session: Topical Questions
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A really positive example of community cohesion in action is the Rewild the Church project, with the Lewes Climate Hub and churches in Lewes joining forces to tackle biodiversity loss and bring people together through their parishes. They are working towards the inspiring goal of rewilding 30% of Church-owned land by 2030. Will the Second Church Estates Commissioner join me in congratulating them on this important work, and support this ambition for the Church of England to lead by example in restoring nature and supporting local communities to come together in doing so?
Context
The MP highlights the Rewild the Church project in his constituency, a collaboration between Lewes Climate Hub and churches to tackle biodiversity loss by rewilding 30% of Church-owned land by 2030.
Marsha De Cordova (Second Church Estates Commissioner)
I congratulate the hon. Member and those in his constituency on the work taking place on that really important issue.
Session: Community Cohesion
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I thank the Minister for her response; I know she is aware of some of the financial challenges that my local club in Lewes faces. With England about to start the defence of their European title in Switzerland against France on Saturday, does she share my concern that, despite the phenomenal rise in popularity of the women’s game, domestic prize money for the women’s FA cup still falls woefully short of that for the men’s? It is frankly embarrassing that in 2025 we still tolerate that glaring inequality. Will she support my call for the Football Association and the Premier League to equalise the women’s FA cup prize fund, so that women footballers are rewarded equally for the same achievement as their male counterparts?
Context
The MP highlights the financial challenges faced by his local club in Lewes and the disparity between men’s and women’s FA cup prize money. He cites statistics indicating the phenomenal rise in popularity of women’s football.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
I know that the hon. Gentleman is a huge supporter and champion of women’s football, and I look forward to visiting his constituency in September. I have heard the calls from the Liberal Democrat Benches and across the House on the FA cup prize money. The FA has taken steps to increase the total fund for the women’s FA cup and we are paying attention to what happens next.
Session: Women’s Football Financial Viability
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Will the Minister meet me to discuss our local campaign to secure bathing water status for the Cuckmere river and blue flag status for Seaford beach? This would reassure local families and visitors that we take water quality seriously, allowing them to use these outdoor spaces safely.
Context
MP James MacCleary discusses sewage discharges from Southern Water affecting the Cuckmere river and Seaford beach in his constituency. He mentions that these outdoor spaces are treasured by local families and visitors.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mary Creagh)
I would be delighted to offer up my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice as the Water Minister to meet the hon. Gentleman on that issue. I would just say that the King Charles III coastal path will open up a quarter of a million hectares of open access land on the coast.
Session: Access to Nature Young People
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What specific steps are the Government taking to support the governor’s efforts, to ensure that these early improvements can be turned into lasting change?
Context
The latest inspection of HMP Lewes found that levels of violence, self-harm and drug use remain notably worse than at other reception prisons. Just one third of prisoners are engaged in education or employment.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
HMPPS continues to monitor the prison carefully, and the chief operating officer’s visit on 7 May found a number of further improvements. If the hon. Gentleman wants to write to me, I can send him a full update on the actions being taken in relation to that prison.
Session: HMP Lewes
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This is a moment for Britain to show that it is serious about forging a renewed and reinvigorated relationship with the EU, which is still our largest trading partner. If the forthcoming summit ends up as another in a long line of missed opportunities, there is a real danger that Brussels will just move on to other priorities. What concrete measures can businesses expect to come out of the summit to cut red tape and the barriers holding back British growth and prosperity?
Context
The MP highlights the UK's trade relationship with the EU, noting that it remains a critical trading partner despite Brexit.
The Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security (Mr Douglas Alexander)
I would be inclined to wait for the summit before declaiming it as a disaster—I think, in the trade, that is called prebuttal. However, the hon. Gentleman’s point about the seriousness of the summit is a fair one, and I recognise it. When I saw those images of the Prime Minister sitting with President Trump in the Oval Office, or indeed with President Macron or President von der Leyen of the European Commission, I felt a genuine sense of relief that we have a serious Prime Minister for these serious times. That serious Prime Minister is intent on, first, rebuilding personal relationships across Europe and, secondly, looking to identify the areas that are transparently win-win between ourselves and our friends, neighbours and partners in the European Union. I assure the hon. Gentleman that there is an ambitious agenda for the summit on the 19th.
Session: Exports to the EU
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What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the UK’s contribution to the European Union Force Bosnia and Herzegovina? The Conservative Government previously withdrew from EUFOR peacekeeping force—Operation Althea—in 2020. Will the Minister consider recommitting British troops to Operation Althea, as other third countries have done?
Context
The question stems from the UK's withdrawal from Operation Althea in 2020, a mission of maintaining peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Stephen Doughty (The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We regularly engage with EUFOR and the EU delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Indeed, I co-convened a call with Quint members and EU institutions on Friday with my French counterpart, and we are working closely on these very serious matters. We are also supporting security in Bosnia through our bilateral contributions, including our staff officers in the NATO HQ in Sarajevo.
Session: European Union Force Bosnia and Herzegovina
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The EU has been very clear that it would welcome a new youth mobility scheme with the UK. As the Minister knows, that would not be a return to freedom of movement and could be agreed separately from the trade and co-operation agreement that the UK signed when we left the EU. Can the Minister tell me, this House and the young people of this country why the Government will not sit down with European allies to agree a new youth mobility scheme?
Context
The EU has expressed willingness for a new youth mobility scheme with the UK, separate from trade agreements. The question arises in light of this opportunity.
Stephen Doughty
My colleagues in the Cabinet Office, me, the Foreign Secretary and others are engaged in a number of conversations with our EU counterparts, but I will not give a running commentary. We will look at EU proposals on a range of issues, but there are no plans for a youth mobility scheme; neither will we return to freedom of movement.
Session: Topical Questions
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President-elect Trump's confirmation of tariffs on Canada raises concerns about his willingness to honour the US-UK special relationship. Does the Minister agree that closer co-operation with the EU on defence and trade is needed, including access to the European customs union?
Context
Concerns arise over President-elect Trump's tariffs on Canada, questioning the future of US relations with UK. The MP asks about closer cooperation with the EU.
Stephen Doughty
We have a thriving trading and investment relationship with the United States. We look forward to working with President-elect Trump, including on policy priorities and improving our trading relations. Our need to work together in Europe on security issues is clear for all Members.
Session: EU Security and Defence Co-operation
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What recent discussions has the Minister had with his EU counterparts on security and defence co-operation?
Context
The MP inquires about discussions with EU counterparts on security and defence cooperation following recent events.
Stephen Doughty
The Foreign Secretary attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 14 October. In the margins, he agreed with Josep Borrell to work towards a security partnership and committed to six-monthly foreign policy dialogues starting in early 2025. Yesterday, I met Secretary-General Sannino of the European External Action Service to discuss shared interests including Ukraine, hybrid threats, and the western Balkans.
Session: EU Security and Defence Co-operation
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Many nurseries raise serious concerns about SEND provision. Will Ministers commit to an urgent review of SEND in the early years to address these issues?
Context
Nurseries in Lewes face concerns over special educational needs and disabilities provision due to funding shortfalls, staffing challenges, and insufficient places.
Bridget Phillipson
Ensuring proper identification and provision of SEND is part of our review of the early years system.
Session: Topical Questions
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As a mother in the north-west, I thank the Secretary of State and welcome the Government's £1.8 billion commitment to expanding publicly funded childcare. Can she share any plans for interim support to keep childcare affordable for working families relying on private providers?
Context
The MP welcomed the Government's £1.8 billion commitment to expanding publicly funded childcare and inquired about interim support during the transition.
Bridget Phillipson
We will look closely at all considerations as part of our early years strategy review. We will take account of workforce recruitment, quality of provision and other factors for the sector.
Session: Childcare Availability
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What steps she is taking to increase the availability of high-quality childcare. With Government data showing that 70,000 more early years places need to be created by next year, will the Secretary of State commit to removing unfair business rates from nurseries and pre-schools?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the need for more early years places and outdated business rates affecting nurseries.
Bridget Phillipson
We are determined to deliver a sea change in early years education. We will repurpose empty classrooms to create or expand school-based nurseries, making childcare more accessible and affordable. We intend to reform the early years sector overall and look closely at this into next year.
Session: Childcare Availability
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Talland Parade is an abandoned and dilapidated row of shops in Seaford, in my constituency. It has stood empty for 12 years, despite having planning permission in place for much-needed flats. The council had to take the developer to the High Court just to get some scaffolding removed at the site. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the site, and will the Government consider expanding compulsory purchase powers for councils to allow them to acquire such key sites?
Context
Talland Parade, an abandoned and dilapidated row of shops in Seaford.
Alex Norris
I am grateful for the question. Of course, I would be very happy to have a meeting. I point the hon. Gentleman towards the very helpful innovation of high street rental auctions at the back end of this year, which will give local authorities the tools to bring into use vacant units and to make sure that developers know that they must use them or let somebody else do so.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituency is largely rural and parish councils play an important role. Does the Minister agree about the importance of parish councils to rural communities, and what role does he see for parish councils as part of the Government's devolution agenda?
Context
Parish councils play an important role in service delivery, particularly in rural areas.
Jim McMahon
We will publish a White Paper on the English devolution Bill setting out an ambitious programme for a power shift from this place and Whitehall to combined authorities, local government and communities. We recognise that parish and town councils have a role to play.
Session: Local Authority Funding
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Ukraine and Russia
10 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Iran
15 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The speaker highlighted the critical situation in Iran, noting Britain’s armed forces' commendable work. He mentioned recent US strikes against Iranian targets, stressing the need for a diplomatic sol...
Backbench Business
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The House recognises the threat posed by Russia and China, as well as the uncertainty regarding US reliability within NATO. It acknowledges the UK's current military shortfalls and calls for a program...
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Russian Shadow Fleet
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Companies
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Armed Forces Act 2026 - Amendments 2, 3, 4, 88, and 89
02 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms. Nusrat Ghani proposes several amendments to the Armed Forces Act 2026 aimed at ensuring continuity of support for children with special educational needs, adoption and fostering arrangements, NHS ...
Defence Readiness
20 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
60.2%
59 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
45
45.9% of votes
No Votes
14
14.3% of votes
Abstentions
39
39.8% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
32
Ministerial Questions Asked
61
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+139% above average
This MP:
32
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1155% above average
This MP:
61
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-13% below average
This MP:
60.2
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks James MacCleary's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.