Author Archives: joshmacmp

I have spent my career supporting vulnerable children. First as a teacher in some very tough schools, then as the founder and leader of a national charity bringing new people into frontline children’s social work to give every child the champion they need, and then as the Chair of the landmark national Independent Review ofContinue reading “STATEMENT: Child sexual abuse and grooming gangs”

It was a delight to see a dozen Cumbrians recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List for their service to communities in Cumbria and beyond. The List recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. Unsung heroes in every community. The List ensures that people from underrepresented communities and a wideContinue reading “Weekly Column – 08/01/2025 – Honouring local heroes”

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, joined local MP Josh MacAlister on a visit to West Cumberland Hospital this week to meet staff and patients. Wards were off limits due to flu outbreaks, but Josh and Wes met with the hospital leadership and with staff and patients in A&E and theContinue reading “Health Secretary visits West Cumberland Hospital as major social care reforms are announced”

We are passionate advocates for devolving as much power and money as possible out of central government down to our county. Local problems can and should be solved locally and residents and locally accountable decision makers who know our areas best should be in the driving seat coming up with solutions to the challenges weContinue reading “Cumbria needs to embrace the devolution revolution”

GPs in West Cumbria will be able to spend more time treating patients under Labour’s proposed reforms to general practice which will bring back the family doctor and slash red tape. Josh MacAlister MP has today welcomed Labour’s plans to bring back the family doctor and end the 8am scramble for appointments – key manifestoContinue reading “Josh MacAlister MP welcomes Labour’s plans to bring back the family doctor”

For my final column of the year I want to first thank everyone I’ve had the opportunity to meet over the last six months since I was elected as your MP. I’ve crammed in as many meetings and visits to local businesses, schools, charities and community groups as possible. I’ve knocked on hundreds of doorsContinue reading “Weekly Column – 23.12.2024 – Christmas reflection”

After lobbying hard on behalf of Cumbria’s hospices, local MP Josh MacAlister welcomed the biggest investment in a generation for hospices, announced by the government this week, ensuring that hospices can continue to deliver the highest quality end of life care possible for their patients, families, and loved ones. The £100 million funding will helpContinue reading “Josh MacAlister welcomes biggest investment into hospices and end of life care in a generation”

This government was elected to deliver change. After 14 years of broken promises, people doubt – understandably – that politics can make a difference to their lives. I hear it time and time again when I’m out doing my street surgeries and public meetings. That’s why we’re doing things differently.  Before the General Election weContinue reading “Weekly Column – 18.12.2024 – Plan for Change”

Children’s social care services are an often hidden but critical service. When they work, they provide help to families in crisis, protect children from harm and provide fostering, residential homes and adoption for children who can no longer live with their families.   I was delighted to see that these services in Cumberland were recently praisedContinue reading “Weekly Column – 11.12.2024 – Improving the lives of our most vulnerable children”

Please see below a consultation notice I received from the Lake District National Park Authority about the creation of a new public footpath and variation of the alignment of the Coast-to-Coast National Trail near Ennerdale Bridge. Copy me in to your response if you’d like me to be aware of your views: hello@joshmacalister.uk. Consultation AsContinue reading “Have Your Say – Creation of Public Footpath at Nannycatch Beck”