April 2025 newsletter to constituents

At long last the sun has emerged and the days are getting longer! Whilst the weather gives us reason to feel optimistic, it remains a deeply concerning time. The Chancellor’s disastrous tax changes are taking effect as I write, and the world is starting to feel the impact of President Trump torpedoing the global economy. Please reach out if you’re struggling and think I can help your situation. 

It’s my privilege to be your local Member of Parliament and in this newsletter you will read about some of the things I have been up to in Westminster as well as some of the events and visits I’ve had in our area.

Championing Childcare
The Spring Statement
Rail Travel & Gatwick concerns
Foreign Affairs in Europe
Local Schools
Politics South East
Met with National Highways 
Newhaven Fort Reopening
Broadband and Fibre Optic Rollout
Havens Food Hub Update
Children with Cancer Trust visit
Buy Sussex, Back Britain
Getting in touch
 

Championing Childcare [back to top]

As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Early Education and Childcare, I was delighted to convene MPs from across the political spectrum last week for an important session on the future of childcare. We heard from the National Day Nurseries Association, leading experts and providers, discussing how to better support nurseries and early years settings across the country. It’s more important than ever that we investigate how to support these services, as the increase in national insurance contributions puts more pressure than ever on small community childcare services. Photos from the session here.

The Spring Statement [back to top]

The Spring Statement showed that, while the Government inherited a dire economic situation from the Tories, it is now making things worse. The Chancellor says she has “no choice” – but slashing support for the poorest instead of ensuring multinational companies pay their taxes or securing a deal with the EU to boost economic growth is a choice. I spoke to ITV about my concerns – you can watch the interview here.

With the NIC’s rise coming into effect this month, every business, school, charity, care home, doctors surgery… that I have met, is telling me that this is a disastrous policy. It was of no shock to learn that the estimated hit to people’s wages locally will be of £2810 by the end of the decade as the jobs tax gets passed down to employees. I raised this recently in the chamber.

Rail Travel and Gatwick Concerns [back to top]

Last week I took formal action on two key transport issues affecting our area. Following my Early Day Motion on the increased cost of rail fares, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport to raise my concerns and to press for measures to ensure rail travel remains affordable – particularly for young people, older passengers, and those on lower incomes.

I’ve also written to the Department regarding Gatwick Airport’s proposed expansion, seeking clarity on how this will impact rail services in the South East as our routes into London are already heavily congested. I’ve requested assurances that steps will be taken to prevent disruption for passengers and protect our local rail infrastructure.

Foreign Affairs in Europe [back to top]

I recently contributed to a debate in the House on the UK's relationship with the European Union. I used the opportunity to set out the benefits of closer cooperation and the need for a more constructive, forward-looking approach. Watch my speech here.
I also spoke on behalf of the Liberal Democrats during an urgent statement in the Commons on the deteriorating situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I raised this matter during FCDO Questions, pressing ministers on how the UK intends to support peace and democratic stability in the region.

The democratic crisis in Georgia should not be ignored. I’ve been working closely with the fifth President of Georgia, who has provided compelling evidence of Russian interference in Georgia’s democratic processes. This week, she appeared before the Foreign Affairs Committee to share that evidence publicly – a key moment in holding hostile actors to account.

Local Schools [back to top]

One of the best parts about being your MP has been visiting all of our fantastic local schools, in the last month going to Firle Primary, Harbour Primary in Newhaven and Western Road Primary in Lewes. Our teachers do a fantastic job in challenging circumstances at times. At Western Road, I joined parents campaigning against cuts to staffing. I’m pleased to say that these cuts have been avoided - for now. At every visit topics like SEN provision are discussed and I will continue to challenge the government to do better and support our schools to ensure children receive the education they deserve. 

Meanwhile, Firle Primary has just 56 children at the moment and is looking to increase its numbers next year as they have capacity for around 100. Persistent under-subscription could put this lovely, little school’s future at risk so hopefully more parents will give it a look.

Politics South East [back to top]

I was invited on to BBC Politics South East last week, which was broadcast on Sunday. We discussed a range of topics from potholes to home education. I know that numerous parents around the constituency are extremely concerned by the government’s plans for home education. You can watch it on BBC iPlayer.

Meeting with National Highways [back to top]

I recently met with the National Highways Agency to discuss a range of topics, including litter on the A26 and A27. The issue of littering on these roads continues to blight our countryside and puts us to shame. Lewes District Council are unable to clear rubbish as it requires a road closure for them to do so safely, which would not be feasible given the importance of the route. They have agreed to proactively communicate with LDC any dates where they will be doing work or expecting any closures so that rubbish can be cleared at the same time, avoiding extra closures. 

We also discussed their plan to replace and repair bollards and signage on the A26 between Beddingham and Newhaven. I will be pressing them for a clear timetable on this.

Newhaven Fort Reopening [back to top]

At last we can enjoy the restoration of the Fort in Newhaven! I recently attended the official opening of the Fort with Newhaven Town Councillor Lesley Boniface which included a royal visitor - The Duke of Gloucester. The Fort is a treasured part of our town, with many of the days selling out in advance. 

Parents are able to bring the children up for a play whilst they have a coffee in the historic setting. Please do go along to enjoy some of the many exhibitions on display or one of the new escape rooms!

Broadband and Fibre Optic rollout [back to top]

High speed internet access is essential for many local businesses and residents in rural areas in the 21st Century, which is why I am appalled at the slow roll out across our patch of Sussex. Villages like Plumpton and Laughton are often overlooked or end up with a patchwork of different infrastructure, which is why I have written to the Department for Innovation Science and Technology as well as Building Digital UK to seek reassurances that we will not be left behind when it comes to high speed internet. If you’re unable to seek high speed fibre optic broadband in your village or town, please do reach out by email, as I seek to impress the scale of the issue to Ministers. 

Havens Food Hub Update [back to top]

The Havens Food Co-Operative in Newhaven was saved from closure last month after a severe funding shortfall threatened its end. The resource provides essential support to families at a very low cost by collecting excess food from 19 supermarkets in the area and supplying food to families and community groups in the area. Generous donations of over £30,000 have saved the service from imminent closure after the community rallied around the hub in support. Hopefully a deal can be reached with Lewes District Council to properly fund the project going forward.

Children with Cancer Trust Visit [back to top]

I recently visited the Children with Cancer Fund in Willingdon. It’s hard not to get emotional when discussing the fantastic work they do supporting families and children going through an incredibly difficult time. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful organisation locally. If you can, please consider making a donation to them or pop in to donate some Easter eggs!

Buy Sussex, Back Britain [back to top]

As President Trump wreaks havoc on the world economy, wiping billions off of stock markets and our pensions I launched a Buy Sussex, Back Britain campaign alongside other Liberal Democrat MP’s in Sussex. The tariffs announced last week are hugely damaging to businesses across the UK, but we can help our local businesses by buying local. Get involved and vote with your money locally.

Getting in Touch [back to top]

Please forward this newsletter to anyone who might like to stay updated, and encourage them to sign up for email updates at jamesmaccleary.uk/emails

I hold regular surgeries across the constituency. To book an appointment, email James.MacCleary.mp@parliament.uk with ‘Surgery request’ in the subject line, including a brief description of your issue and your full address for verification. Online surgery appointments are also available.

For casework queries, please email James.MacCleary.mp@parliament.uk with your address. My team and I are working hard to respond as promptly as we possibly can, with over 8,000 cases opened thus far.