The ECHR protects our right to privacy, freedom of expression, family life and a fair trial, among so many other things. For the past couple of days, I’ve been with a cross-party delegation to Strasbourg with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Migration. 1/2

Recently, I've been fortunate to meet some of the incredible charities & community groups we have in Cheltenham. I met with local representatives of the ME/CFS friendship group in Gloucestershire. Parliament must work faster to ensure sufferers have access to proper healthcare and support. 1/3

It was a pleasure to meet with SLT & volunteers at Cheltenham-based charity CCP. I visited the Community Pantry, with its own polytunnel growing fresh fruit & veg to buy. I also saw inside one of its ChelPods, self-contained accommodations providing safety, privacy & dignity for people in need. 1/2

It’s time to end the Peter Mandelson charade. The government should boot him out of the House of Lords for good. I asked the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister to bring forward legislation to do just that.

The damage caused by Brexit was never going to be confined to one area of policy. It’s now clear that potential defence investment is being hobbled by the failed Brexit deal. For the sake of our economy and our security, we badly need a much more urgent approach to reintegration with the EU.

Signing the Holocaust Book of Commitment on Holocaust Memorial Day in Parliament is a profoundly moving experience. 1/2

The ‘temporary’ closure of the Aveta Birth Centre in Cheltenham to labour and births almost four years ago continues to impact the choices of women who want to give birth locally. Today at Women and Equalities Questions I asked ministers to look again at the issue and to push for a full reopening.

At one of my surgery appointments last week, a constituent came to see me to discuss her long-term issues with the Child Maintenance Service. I am pleased to share that earlier this week I raised the issue with Ministers in Parliament and they have agreed to look into her case. 1/2

I've written to the Minister for Policing and Crime to urgently request that Gloucestershire Constabulary be given the financial resources it needs for 2026/27. My letter followed a briefing by local officials which advised of the need for a one-off £10.5m grant & extra budgetary resourcing. 1/2

Another Tory has defected to Reform. What a surprise! The two parties share the same agenda (that’s no secret). But the characters who have joined Reform won’t provide any platform for government, or do anything to improve our country, as I told @lbc.co.uk earlier today. 1/2

Last night, I shared the stage at Balcarras with Ellen Roome MBE to talk about online safety for our children. Almost 200 people attended the event - a clear sign that this issue is increasingly important among parents, grandparents and education professionals. 1/4

Sign my petition to keep children safer online by banning under-16s from social media: www.maxwilkinson.org/ageratings The message to social media giants is clear: if your platform spreads harmful content or relies on addictive and algorithms, you should not be allowed anywhere near our children.

Rejuvenating our town centre is a key aim - that means filling empty spaces with shops & leisure outlets, & much-needed new homes. The short-term pop-up shops have been brilliant at keeping Cavendish House alive. I'm sad to see them go & I hope the talented businesspeople find a new home soon. 1/2

Where we have led on calling for closer integration with Europe, others are following - including senior members of government. Our allies are more important than ever. Liberal Democrats will continue to make the case for closer relations with Europe to boost our economy, defence and security.

I’m delighted to have heard the news that after my campaigning work in Parliament, funding has been approved for Junction 10 of the M5. This is great news for ensuring the Golden Valley development can reach its potential, supporting thousands of new jobs in cyber and tech. 1/3

I'm hoping for "spades in the ground sometime this summer” – that’s what I told BBC Radio Gloucestershire when we spoke about the latest progress towards the Golden Valley development. Final planning for the first phase of the Golden Valley development was submitted last week. 1/3

Speaking to lots of people in the Rissingtons Ward, North Cotswolds ahead of Thursday’s by election. Great response for Craig Thurling! @libdems.org.uk @maxwilkinson.bsky.social @libdemcam.bsky.social

I’m backing Lib Dem plans for a film-style age rating system on social media channels. For too long, parents have struggled to properly protect their children online while social media giants continue to profit. Online safeguarding is incredibly important. 1/2

Following the recent unsatisfactory West Midlands Police appearance at the Home Affairs select committee, we have written to the IOPC to ask for an investigation into what went wrong in the decision-making process leading up to the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Villa Park.

I’m a longstanding supporter of our Lido. It’s a brilliant heritage asset that helps us all stay happy & healthy too. I took time out of my weekend to try one of its newest activities - the Nordic Experience. It was as cold & refreshing as it looks (but I found the sauna part much more comfortable)!

With so much international turbulence and uncertainty, it’s vital we maintain strong links with NATO allies. We have important defence and security links with our allies in Estonia. I was interested to learn more on a recent visit to Tapa Camp, where UK Armed Forces are stationed. 1/2

I’m calling on Ofcom to restrict UK access to Elon Musk’s X until the platform puts an end to the production of sickening abusive AI images. A line has been crossed & it’s time for the regulator to show it has some teeth. Honestly, I can’t believe the government hasn’t acted. It beggars belief.

It's been nearly a year since I presented my Sunshine Bill to Parliament, gaining widespread cross-party and industry support. Ministers accepted the principle that solar panels come as standard on all new build homes. I asked Ministers when the government will follow through on their commitment.

There’s a big debate in this country about immigration, but it’s missing one important point. I asked the Home Secretary why she thought such large numbers of working age Brits were leaving the country. The failed Tory Brexit, a fear of Farage’s Reform or Labour’s poor record? 1/2

As we look forward to 2026, I've been reflecting on 2025. I'm proud of my team for their dedication & commitment to helping me serve the people of Cheltenham. We're going into 2026 more determined than ever to work hard on behalf of every constituent. Wishing you a peaceful & prosperous New Year🎉

One of my constituency casework team is moving to a new job in Parliament, so I’m looking for a new caseworker. Could it be you? If you enjoy a fast-paced environment, thrive on a bit of politics & would like to help me serve the people of Cheltenham, please apply: www.w4mpjobs.org/JobDetails.a...

Congratulations to Ellen Roome MBE, recognised in the New Year Honours List for her tireless campaigning. I am proud to support her as she takes on the social media giants in the name of her son, Jools. I know Cheltenham people are proud of her for all the work she has done.

Merry Christmas everyone. Wherever you are and whoever you’re with, I hope you are having a joyful time. 🎄🎅🏻🎁

I was privileged to spend the weekend visiting members of our Armed Forces in Estonia. While we enjoy Christmas festivities over the coming days, they’re working hard close to Europe’s eastern flank. They’re integrated with our Estonian & French allies as part of NATO’s Forward Land Forces. 1/2

[email protected] claims it’s the home of free speech, but they do lean heavily to the right. Will they commit to allowing a Liberal Democrat to host a show next year to balance out Farage, Rees-Mogg and Anderson? I challenged Christopher ‘Chopper’ Hope to set an ambitious goal for 2026.

Violence against women & girls is a stain on society. Misogyny online continues to spread, all while Nigel Farage publicly describes Andrew Tate as an "important voice" for men. I asked the Home Secretary what steps she and the Minister are taking to progress halving violence against women & girls.

Many of you will be aware that our councils are being abolished. That raises lots of questions about how services like bins, planning and licensing will be delivered by a new Unitary Authority. 1/4

Trump is coming after our BBC. He’s suing it for $10 billion, and the Conservatives and Reform are cheering him on. The BBC must not pay Trump a penny. Instead of rolling over, it should sue Trump back for the lies he’s telling about it.

I am a huge supporter of improving exercise and sport in our schools. Increasing the provision of physical education is something I pushed for in my previous role as Lib Dem Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson. I continue to believe in it. Sport is for everyone. 1/2

I joined Andy Steadman on the Christmas post rounds this morning 🎁🎅🏻 Andy has been working as a postie for 40 years and is a well-known face around Battledown. Thanks to Andy and all our posties for grafting over the busy Christmas period🎄

It was a privilege to visit CCP today to drop off donations for its Hamper Scamper appeal🎁 It’s the first year my team has organised a donation point for the appeal. I am blown away by the generosity, particularly as the cost-of-living continues to pressure us all. Thank you to everyone who donated.

I hosted another productive meeting of my MP and Business Network this morning. This time we were the guests of the Everyman Theatre. 35+ local businesses were represented - the biggest number to date. The hot topic was (of course) the Budget, but there was also optimism & drive for 2026. 1/2

I enjoyed a lively debate at the Demos Collaborative Democracy Network event this week. The topic up for discussion at the national think tank was about how best to make citizens’ voices heard in a moment of declining trust in politics. You can watch the recording here: m.youtube.com/watch?v=UEvF...

Our democracy is under threat. Unless we ditch our outdated voting system, the next election risks allowing Nigel Farage into Number 10 on the “pull of a one-armed bandit” gambling machine. I asked the Leader of the House to back the Lib Dem elections bill when it returns to Parliament in January.

ICYMI: The moment Parliament voted to back our bill on a UK-EU customs union. The Prime Minister must listen to Parliament.

I popped into some of Cheltenham's small businesses to say 'thank you' on Small Business Saturday this weekend. Rosie at Favourite Beers gave me a warm welcome and recommended some tasty drinks for December, too. Cheers to all the small business owners who make our town what it is! 🍻 🍻 🍻

🎄🎅Great to be out spreading some cheer and delivering my Christmas card in Gas Green yesterday. Thanks to Jackie, Marg, Chris, Jonathan and many others for joining me.

SMEs and sole traders are the backbone of our economy. The recent Budget did little to help them invest and grow. This Small Business Saturday, I’ve been reflecting on how I can further support Cheltenham’s brilliant small businesses. 1/2

Small & medium sized businesses in Cheltenham shouldn’t shoulder the burden of national economic failures anymore. Last week’s budget ignored Brexit’s impact & chose to penalise business owners even more. I shared stories of two Cheltenham business owners during my Budget Debate speech yesterday 1/2

The government is ignoring the massive Brexit problem while putting up taxes and attacking businesses. Who is benefitting? Nigel Farage as usual. My speech in today's budget debate 👇

Congratulations to the team at The Hatherley pub. Their Sticky Toffee Pudding won my Cheltenham Pudding Playoff online vote for National British Pudding Day! It was lovely to present Fleur, Kate and Jake with the award. Even better was the chance to taste the winning pud itself!

 I had a fun, if wobbly, session in the cold to celebrate the opening of Cheltenham’s Christmas Ice Rink. It’s a project I worked on as a councillor and I’m pleased to say the progress we made on reducing carbon output by using a battery and alternative fuels is still being enjoyed.

I convened a meeting to discuss the future of our town centre. I was joined by representatives of the Civic Society, Historic England, Borough Council, County Council, local planning experts, architects, environmental campaigners and building owners. 1/3

This is botched Budget, from a government that is hiking taxes on ordinary families instead of going for growth by fixing our trade with Europe.