Author Archives: joshmacmp

Whitehaven MP Josh MacAlister has welcomed the publication of the new Town Centre Masterplan, describing it as “a once-in-a-generation blueprint” to transform the town over the coming years. The masterplan, developed through extensive engagement with residents, businesses and partners, sets out a long-term vision to strengthen Whitehaven’s historic town centre, reconnect it with the harbour,Continue reading “Josh MacAlister MP welcomes ambitious Whitehaven Masterplan as next phase of regeneration begins”

A good start to the school day can shape everything that follows. When children arrive fed, settled and ready to learn, classrooms are calmer, concentration improves and teachers can get on with teaching. For parents, a reliable breakfast club can make the morning rush easier and create more flexibility around work. That is why IContinue reading “Weekly Column – 15.07.2026 – A better start to the day for west Cumbrian children”

Josh MacAlister MP has launched a new campaign to ensure every young person in West Cumbria has a pathway into work, education or training, using the region’s growing economy to create more opportunities for the next generation. The NEET Zero campaign was launched at this year’s Festival of Work at Lakes College, where Josh wasContinue reading “Josh MacAlister MP launches ‘NEET Zero’ campaign at West Cumbria’s Festival of Work”

Twelve more primary schools across West Cumbria will offer universal free breakfast clubs from September, Josh MacAlister MP has announced. The new clubs will provide every pupil who attends with a free, nutritious breakfast alongside 30 minutes of childcare before the school day begins. The schools joining the programme are: Whitehaven Mayfield School, Valley PrimaryContinue reading “Twelve more free breakfast clubs coming to west Cumbrian schools”

Cumbrian MP and Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister has announced a major expansion of the government’s new model of children’s social care, aimed at keeping more children closer to home, backing foster families and cracking down on profiteering in the care system. The reforms will see five new Regional Care Co-operatives confirmed across England,Continue reading “Cumbrian MP announces major expansion of children’s social care reforms”

When you elected me as your MP two years ago, the mountain ahead looked daunting. West Cumbria had been let down too many times. Big promises had come and gone. Too often, decisions about our future had been made elsewhere. There were serious challenges in our NHS, our transport links, our town centres, our localContinue reading “Weekly Column – 08.07.2026 – Marking two years as your MP”

This week, people across England are being asked to finish one simple sentence: “My coast has the most…”, as part of a government-backed campaign to promote coastal areas like ours. For me, the answer is easy. Our West Cumbrian coast has the most character, the most history, the most space to breathe, and some ofContinue reading “Weekly Column – 01.07.2026 – West Cumbria’s coast has the most”

Parents and carers from across West Cumbria are being invited to a public meeting hosted by Whitehaven and Workington MP and Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister to discuss the challenges of children growing up online. The meeting will take place on Friday 3rd July, 6pm–7pm, at the Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre in Workington. It comesContinue reading “Parents invited to launch of pioneering Parent and Teacher Pact”

Josh MacAlister MP has met with United Utilities and the Environment Agency to demand action after St. Bees Beach was downgraded from an Excellent to a Good bathing water rating. St. Bees, one of West Cumbria’s most popular beaches, has now been made a Priority Bathing Water, with a new action plan setting out theContinue reading “Josh MacAlister MP secures action plan to restore St. Bees Beach bathing water rating”

Keir Starmer has now resigned as Prime Minister. It is a serious moment for the country, for the Labour Party, and for everyone who wants politics to deliver real change. Keir deserves our thanks. He put public service back at the heart of government, began the work of rebuilding our economy, and made sure communitiesContinue reading “Weekly Column – 24.06.2026 – Labour must meet this moment “