December 2024 newsletter to constituents

This is my final full newsletter for the year! I’ll share a brief message with you before the year ends, but for now, here’s the latest local news and an update on my work as your MP.

Wealden Parking Update and impact on Polegate
Fighting for SEND Funding in Sussex Schools
Waste consultation booking system review
Assisted dying passes second reading - My Vote
GP Funding for Willingdon and Polegate
A259 Upgrades Including Bishopstone Junction Under Review
Victory for Fairer Votes in Parliament
Tree Planting with Laughton Greenwood
Citizens Advice Visit
Harbour Heights 400 Houses Planning Update
Equal FA Cup prize money for women’s football
Support for RNLI in Newhaven’s 200th Year
Pics
Get in touch

Wealden Parking Update and impact on Polegate [back to top]

Parking enforcement remains a major issue in Wealden, especially in Polegate, with many reports of vehicles parking on double yellows and pavements with no consequences. This is because the area is yet to be decriminalised for parking offences, meaning little enforcement can currently take place. Within days of being elected, I met with the council to push for action to resolve this and I’m continuing to engage with Wealden and East Sussex County Councils to get on with solving this issue. Local residents deserve safer and more accessible streets, and I will continue working to ensure this matter is addressed.

Fighting for SEND Funding in Sussex Schools [back to top]

Sussex schools are in urgent need of more funding to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The Government’s recent announcement of additional SEND funding is welcome, but the allocation plans remain unclear. I’ve called on the Education Secretary to ensure that Sussex receives its fair share of the £740 million fund and that a robust rescue plan is developed for SEND services in our area. Read more about this important issue here: Sussex Schools Must Receive Fair Slice Of New SEND Funding, Says MP  - More Radio

Waste Consultation Booking System Review [back to top]

East Sussex County Council is considering introducing a booking system for Household Waste Recycling Sites, which would impact locations in Lewes, Seaford, and Newhaven. If you, like me, think this is the wrong move, please sign our petition and also reply to the council's consultation to tell them you're against the changes.

Sign and share the petition - https://www.leweslibdems.org.uk/tipbooking

East Sussex's page about the booking system

Assisted Dying Passes Second Reading - My Vote [back to top]
 

The past month in Parliament has been hugely significant, not least because of the second reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, commonly known as the Assisted Dying Bill, which passed at this stage.

It is one of the great responsibilities, privileges, and challenges of being an MP to vote on matters of such importance. Many constituents have taken the time to share their thoughts and experiences, and I’ve carefully considered every perspective. I believe allowing people to decide to end their own lives to alleviate suffering for themselves and their loved ones should be permitted. While this is an emotional and complex issue, I voted in favour of allowing the Bill to proceed to the committee stage for further scrutiny. This will enable MPs to examine it in detail and debate safeguards. I remain committed to listening to everyone as this process continues, and thank all those who have written to me.

This Bill highlights the need to properly fund palliative care. During my recent visit to St Peter & St James Hospice, I saw the extraordinary care provided to patients and families. Hospices like this are lifelines, yet many face financial crises. Hospice UK reports that 20% of hospices are under threat due to cuts. Nationally, services are being scaled back, forcing more patients to rely on an NHS weakened by years of Conservative underfunding. Proper investment in palliative services is critical to ensuring dignity for everyone at the end of life.

GP Funding for Willingdon and Polegate [back to top]
 

I am advocating for funding to support one of our local GP sites to support Willingdon or Polegate. Both sites are under immense pressure, and funding would help alleviate these strains, ensuring better care for our community. Access to healthcare must remain a top priority, and I will continue working to secure this vital investment.

A259 Upgrades Including Bishopstone Junction Under Review [back to top]

The much-needed improvements to the A259 between Seaford and Newhaven are facing further delays. Promised by the previous Conservative government without securing funding, the project is now under review by Labour ministers.

I am calling on them to prioritise this vital investment to address safety concerns such as the dangerous Bishopstone junction and frequent accidents on the bends. Our community deserves action, not more setbacks. Read more: SEAFORD-NEWHAVEN A259 IMPROVEMENTS IN DOUBT

Victory for Fairer Votes in Parliament [back to top]
 

I was proud to vote for proportional representation in Parliament, where MPs achieved a symbolic victory for fairer votes. This landmark moment sends a powerful message to party leaders like Keir Starmer to embrace reform. The fight for a more representative voting system continues, and I’ll keep advocating for change.

Tree Planting with Laughton Greenwood [back to top]

Thank you to Steve and the wonderful volunteers at Laughton Greenwood for inviting my family and me to join their tree-planting efforts. Tree coverage in the UK remains below the European average, and initiatives like this play a vital role in combating climate change, promoting biodiversity, and fostering wellbeing. If you'd like to get involved, visit:  https://www.laughtongreenwood.co.uk/volunteer

Citizens Advice Visit [back to top]

I recently visited Lewes District Citizens Advice and was inspired by the team’s tireless work tackling housing challenges, supporting those struggling with the cost of living, and much more. I’ll be raising key issues they highlighted in Parliament, including housing reform and fairer energy charges. A special shoutout to Sharmila Bayliss, who is trekking to Everest Base Camp to raise £5,000 for the CAB—let’s help her reach her goal: Support Sharmila's Trek for CAB here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sharmila-bayliss-1730126237775

Harbour Heights Planning Update [back to top]

It’s disappointing to report that outline planning permission for the Harbour Heights development has been granted despite strong opposition. The application, which includes no affordable housing, raises serious concerns about its impact on local biodiversity, transport, and businesses. This is not the end of the fight. The application will need further approval, and I will continue to stand against developments that fail our community. Watch my speech opposing this development and stay updated on our efforts to protect Newhaven.

Equal FA Cup Prize Money for Women’s Football [back to top]

I recently presented a bill in the House of Commons calling for equal prize money for both the men's and women's FA Cup competitions. Currently, there is a significant disparity, with the men's tournament offering far higher rewards than the women's.
I believe that gender equality in sports is long overdue, and this bill is a step towards ensuring women’s football receives the recognition and support it deserves. Equalizing prize money is not just about fairness—it’s about investing in the future of women’s football and giving female athletes the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

Support for RNLI in Newhaven’s 200th Year [back to top]

I had the pleasure of visiting Newhaven Lifeboat Station recently, where I learned about the incredible lifesaving work their volunteers do. Celebrating 200 years of service, the RNLI continues to play a vital role in saving lives at sea. It was an honor to meet the team, tour their Severn Class All-Weather Lifeboat, and hear about the station’s history. You can read more about my visit and the RNLI’s inspiring work here:  https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2024/november/19/local-mp-shows-support-for-newhaven-rnli-in-charitys-200th-year

Getting in Contact [back to top]

Sign up for my newsletter

This is the latest edition of my regular email newsletter. If you know anyone who’d like to receive these updates, please forward this email to them and ask them to sign up here.

How to book a surgery slot

I’m hosting regular surgeries across the constituency. I’ve already held surgeries in Seaford, Newhaven, Polegate, Lewes and Willingdon. To attend a surgery, please email James.maccleary.mp@parliament.uk with the subject line ‘Surgery request’. Include a brief description of your issue, concern, or what you’d like to raise, along with your full address to verify you are a constituent. Online surgery appointments are also available.

For casework queries, please email James.maccleary.mp@parliament.uk including your address so I can confirm you are a constituent. My office and staff team are working hard to respond to the queries we receive.