Meeting with James MacCleary MP

In October, Lewes MP James MacCleary met with representatives of Lewes Climate Hub and other local groups to answer questions on a range of issues and his response to them. Hub co-director Dinah Morgan gives a round-up of what was discussed and what was agreed in order to take action forward.

White Poppies – In response to questions from the Eco Churches and Quakers about laying wreaths of white poppies symbolising peace, James said he was planning to work with schools and colleges to create poppy wreaths of many colours in respect of all those needing to be remembered in future Remembrance and Armistice ceremonies.

James reiterated his support for the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal but did express his concern about the amount of plastic waste generated by the poppy wreaths and would like to work with young people on alternatives. He also said he would consider laying a white wreath to focus on building a culture of peace next year.

Peace Group – We invited James to speak as a guest at the forthcoming Peace Group meeting at Lewes Climate Hub on Monday 8 December, 4.30pm to which he responded with enthusiasm. He is Defence Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats and has definite views about certain issues.

National Emergency Briefing – We asked James if he could attend the National Emergency Briefing on the Climate and Nature Crisis on 27 November in Westminster. This will be a critical meeting for the UK’s decision-makers to attend, as it will cover the implications of the climate and nature crisis for health, national security, food, our economy and much more. As James is away on holiday with his family on that date, we are pleased that he is sending a representative on his behalf. 

Pollution and Rewilding – At the meeting, Debbie Annells of Greenpeace Lewes asked James to sign the Make Polluters Pay pact, which he did (pictured)! The pact urges governments to make oil, coal and gas corporations pay their fair share for the damages they cause to the climate, the environment and communities worldwide through taxes and fines.

James also promised to follow up questions to the Church of England Synod members about the Rewild the Church campaign (which is urging the Church of England to rewild 30 per cent of its land by 2030, in line with national targets) before our next meeting with him at the Climate Hub. (He has previously mentioned the work of Lewes Climate Hub to promote this campaign in Parliament.)

We also reminded him of the importance of the delayed Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill (aka the Oceans Treaty) to safeguard marine environments which is at present slowly making its way through Parliament. Hopefully it will come into force so needs to finish passing into law this year.

Human and Women’s Rights – Once again, James asserted his wish to uphold human rights and actively condemned moves away from the European Court of Human Rights. He also talked about his support for women and the need to work against the discrimination they face at home and abroad. He also voiced his support for child-care provision and acknowledged the lack of services available today. He asked to be sent the link to the report from UN’s Special Rapporteur for Women who visited the UK last year to assess the situation of gender-based violence against women and girls. That report, which was published this July, can be viewed here.

We thanked James MacCleary for his time and will fix a date for our next meeting with him, most probably in February 2026.