Author Archives: joshmacmp

Hundreds of west Cumbrians are no longer waiting for NHS treatment thanks to government action to drive down waiting lists.  The latest figures show 1,025 fewer patients on the waiting list at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust compared to July 2024 as England recorded its second-biggest monthly drop in 15 years in November. NewContinue reading “NHS waiting list falls by 1,025 in North and West Cumbria”

Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in West Cumbria are set to benefit from a major expansion of training for teachers and school staff, aimed at improving support in local nurseries, schools and colleges. The new national training offer follows extensive engagement with parents and education professionals, including feedback raisedContinue reading “SEND training boost to support West Cumbria’s schools and families”

Shortly before Christmas, I took to the streets of Workington town centre and invited west Cumbrians to come and talk to me about immigration. It’s a subject some politicians avoid like the plague, but I don’t want to duck the big issues. I can only represent your interests in Parliament if I’m listening carefully toContinue reading “Weekly Column – 14.01.2026 – Addressing your concerns about illegal immigration”

Cumbria is set to be included in a new national Uplands Transformation project following months of joint work by Josh MacAlister MP and the county’s other Labour MPs with ministers and leading experts, alongside a wider package of measures to support farmers and rural communities. The project, following work led by social entrepreneur Dr HilaryContinue reading “Cumbria to be included in new Uplands Transformation project after push by local Labour MPs”

New analysis from Josh MacAlister MP reveals local rail users are set for a cost of living boost thanks to the first freeze on rail fares in 30 years. There are over 1 million journeys that either start or end at stations in West Cumbria each year – an estimated 45% are regulated and thereforeContinue reading “Passengers in West Cumbria set to save over £160,000 thanks to fares freeze”

Residents with a passion for community leadership are being encouraged to apply for a new voluntary role that will help shape the future of south Whitehaven. Applications are now open for an Independent Chair of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, which will oversee a £20 million, 10-year investment in Mirehouse, Kells, Woodhouse, Greenbank andContinue reading “Community leader sought to chair new £20 million Pride in Place programme in Whitehaven”

In the final week of the year, it feels right to pause and take stock of 2025. Not in a rose-tinted way, and not by talking down the very real challenges many people in West Cumbria are still facing, but honestly and with a sense of where we go next. This has not been anContinue reading “Weekly Column – 31.12.2025 – Reflections on 2025”

Josh MacAlister MP has this week marked a major milestone since being elected in July 2024, having now held 100 public events across West Cumbria, with more than 3,000 local people taking part. From public meetings to coffee mornings, drop-ins to street surgeries, Josh has held events in every corner of West Cumbria. The eventsContinue reading “MP marks 100 public events across West Cumbria and announces new programme for early 2026”

This Christmas, I want to take a moment to reflect on what makes West Cumbria such a special place to live. This time of year encourages us to slow down, look around, and recognise the strength we draw from each other – something the people of our area understand better than most. West Cumbria hasContinue reading “Weekly Column – 24.12.2025 – A Christmas message to West Cumbria”

Today the government announced really welcome changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief. I know how strongly many farmers and rural communities across West Cumbria feel about this issue. From the outset, I have been clear that family farms must be protected. Policy only works when it reflects the real, lived experience of the people itContinue reading “Changes to farm inheritance tax plans”