Max Wilkinson MP

@maxwilkinson.bsky.social

MP for Cheltenham Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home Affairs

@maxwilkinson.bsky.social

With the world-famous Cheltenham Literature Festival upon us, I took part in one of the activities on offer across the town. Book lovers are being asked to write to a stranger about their favourite read. I enjoy anything from the Scotland Street series by Alexander McCall Smith. What about you?

@maxwilkinson.bsky.social

The Golden Valley development has come from strong local work. It will generate thousands of jobs locally & contribute to national cyber security. I asked the First Secretary of State to recognise this local investment & allow proceeds to remain in our community, instead of swiped away to Whitehall.

@maxwilkinson.bsky.social

“We need urgent action to save our democracy.”

That’s what I told @lbc.co.uk over the weekend when asked about the massive donations to Farage’s Reform party. The government must act now to stop US-style big money buying our politics.

@maxwilkinson.bsky.social

I asked the Health Secretary to intervene in the planning system so people in conservation areas like Cheltenham can cool their homes in hot summers. It’s a health risk that will only get worse. I’m not convinced by her reply, particularly the suggestion we all go to the local community centre.

@maxwilkinson.bsky.social

Women and girls deserve to feel and be safe when going about their lives. I've written to Gloucestershire Constabulary to ask that hotspots for anti-social and misogynistic behaviour in Cheltenham be more frequently patrolled. 1/2

Supt. James Glansfield Cheltenham & Tewkesbury LPA Commander Crime Prevention & Neighbourhood Policing Lead Gloucestershire Constabulary 08 September 2026 Dear James Violence Against Women and Girls and Safer Streets Patrols in Cheltenham I am writing regarding the ongoing challenge of violence against women and girls in Cheltenham and the importance of maintaining a visible and proactive police presence in areas where concerns have been raised by local residents. Recent discussions with Gloucestershire Constabulary have underlined the seriousness with which the force approaches offences involving the harassment and intimidation of women. I welcome the steps that are taken to monitor individuals who may present a risk and to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the public. However, this issue extends beyond any individual case. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most significant public safety concerns facing our communities and it demands continued attention from all those responsible for keeping people safe. I have received reports from local residents regarding anti-social and intimidating behaviour towards women, particularly during the early morning hours. Concerns have been raised about several locations in Cheltenham, including the Lower High Street, The Brewery area and Swindon Road Car Park. These are places through which many women travel on their way to work and to public transport links at times when streets can be relatively quiet and individuals may feel particularly vulnerable. I have consistently argued that tackling violence against women and girls must be treated as a priority. I strongly endorse the ambition to dramatically reduce such offences and I have been proud to support local initiatives and community campaigns that seek to make Cheltenham a safer place for women and girls. Public confidence depends not only on effective enforcement but also on a visible commitment to prevention and reassurance.For that reason, I am keen to see a sustained and visible police presence in known hotspot areas and at times when concerns are most frequently raised. Visible patrols help deter offending, reassure residents and demonstrate that reports from the community are being taken seriously. I know that Gloucestershire Constabulary recognises the importance of this issue and I look forward to seeing evidence of continued patrol activity and operational focus in these locations, particularly during the early morning periods identified by local residents. Please could you confirm that officers will be present in the coming weeks to disrupt this unacceptable behaviour at the known times in identified hotspots? Thank you for your continued service to our community and for the work undertaken by officers across Cheltenham to keep people safe. Yours sincerely Max Wilkinson MP
@maxwilkinson.bsky.social

Cheltenham council is still being abolished, but after an announcement by the government this week we don’t know when! I asked the Secretary of State this week to let Gloucestershire get on with the process so councils can get on with planning to protect vital services. 1/2

@maxwilkinson.bsky.social

The First Secretary of State told MPs that fire services need more support. I reminded her that Gloucestershire Fire And Rescue Service stands ready to support neighbouring areas suffering wildfires, but that it is suffering extreme financial pressures. 1/2

@maxwilkinson.bsky.social

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.