Twenty-two months ago, people in West Cumbria voted for change. Not slogans, not sticking plasters, but a serious government prepared to roll up its sleeves and begin the hard work of rebuilding our country. As we reach the end of this first Parliamentary session, it’s right to take stock – honestly, not complacently – of what has been achieved, and what still needs to change.
We said we would deliver a generational boost to workers’ rights, and we have. Stronger protections at work, more security in hours and pay, and an end to the race to the bottom that left too many people feeling disposable. Alongside that, we’ve delivered the strongest protections for renters in a generation – benefitting around 5,000 people here in West Cumbria – giving families greater stability and dignity in their homes.
We’ve taken tough action where it was long overdue. After years of neglect, the water industry is now subject to serious regulation to clean up our rivers and coastline. We’ve ended the dither and delay and made more progress to advance new nuclear and other clean energy developments than any government in decades.
For thousands of low-paid workers locally, the rises in the minimum wage have made a real difference. Pensioners, too, have seen substantial increases in the state pension. Combined with action to bring down energy bills and freeze bus and rail fares, these steps are easing the pressure on household finances – though I know many are still feeling the strain.
On the NHS, progress is being made. Waiting lists are coming down. We’ve recruited more GPs and expanded NHS dental provision here in West Cumbria. It’s not fixed overnight, but we’re heading in the right direction.
For families, we are rebuilding support that was stripped away. The return of Sure Start through new Best Start Family Hubs in Whitehaven and Workington is already making a difference. Free childcare has expanded, alongside free breakfast clubs and wider access to free school meals that will lift half a million children out of poverty.
As a Minister, I’ve been focused on children who need the most support. We are investing billions into children’s social care and renewing the fostering system, so that vulnerable children can grow up in safe, stable, loving homes.
And yes, we have begun to fix a broken immigration system – restoring control and returning tens of thousands of people with no right to be here.
But there is so much more to do and I know there’s frustration. People want to see these changes show up in their bills, when they need the doctor or when they are planning for their family’s future. I agree. The job isn’t done – not even close.
What we have done is start. After years of drift, we’ve set a new direction. The challenge now is to be bolder – so that more people in West Cumbria not only hear about change, but feel it in their everyday lives. At the start of the new parliamentary session, that’s my focus as your MP.
Josh MacAlister MP 