Author Archives: joshmacmp

Plans to expand the number of dentists working in the NHS were announced last week, as part of wider efforts to improve access to NHS dentistry. The government has confirmed it will increase the number of dental training places – the first major expansion of dental training places in nearly twenty years – helping toContinue reading “Dental training expansion announced as NHS dentistry improvements begin to show in West Cumbria”

Homes and businesses across West Cumbria are set to benefit from strengthened protection against flooding, as Josh MacAlister MP has secured £627,000 for local flood defence projects, part of a wider £34 million investment across Cumbria. The funding forms part of a major national programme delivering new and improved flood defences, helping protect communities fromContinue reading “Josh MacAlister MP secures £627,000 boost for flood defences in West Cumbria”

When fuel prices start rising, communities like ours in West Cumbria feel it straight away. For many families here, driving isn’t optional. It’s how people get to work, take the kids to school, get to hospital appointments, and keep small businesses running. And unlike many parts of the country, a lot of homes here alsoContinue reading “Weekly Column – 18.03.2026 – Fighting for fairer fuel prices”

I welcome the announcement from the Government setting out a major overhaul of the UK’s nuclear regulatory system – a crucial step towards delivering new nuclear power faster, at lower cost, and with strong environmental protections. For too long, overly complex and bureaucratic processes have slowed down the delivery of vital infrastructure. These reforms willContinue reading “Statement on Government Nuclear Reform Announcement”

Families across Cumbria’s rural communities will benefit from a share of more than £50 million in government support to help with rising heating oil costs, under new measures announced by the government. Over 40,000 households across Cumbria rely on heating oil to keep their homes warm, particularly in rural villages and farming communities where homesContinue reading “Cumbrian families to benefit from £50 million support as heating oil costs soar”

Josh MacAlister MP has welcomed new government plans to introduce stronger protections for children with allergies in schools, ensuring parents can feel confident that their child will be safe in the classroom. Under new proposals, schools across England will for the first time be legally required to follow strengthened allergy safety guidance – including stockingContinue reading “Stronger protections for children with allergies welcomed by MP”

Motorists in West Cumbria are paying up to £10 more for a tank of petrol or diesel depending on where they fill up, according to new analysis published by local MP Josh MacAlister. A review of petrol stations in West Cumbria found petrol prices ranging from around 136p per litre to as high as 152p,Continue reading “MP calls for petrol stations to cut prices after 16p gap revealed”

Local MP Josh MacAlister has welcomed the launch of a new Government review into the controversial commission charged when park homes are sold – and is encouraging park home residents across West Cumbria to share their experiences. The Government has announced a call for evidence into the 10% commission fee paid to site owners whenContinue reading “Josh welcomes Government review into park home commission charges”

This week marks an important milestone for West Cumbria as work officially begins on developing the masterplan for Pioneer Park – a site with the potential to shape the future of our area for decades to come. Pioneer Park sits on hundreds of acres of land owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority right next toContinue reading “Weekly Column – 11.03.2026 – Progress towards our nuclear future”

Work has officially begun on shaping the future of Pioneer Park – a major new clean energy development opportunity adjacent to Sellafield that could play a significant role in the UK’s future nuclear programme. Members of Cumberland’s Nuclear Future Board gathered today (10th March) at Westlakes Science Park to launch the masterplanning phase of theContinue reading “Masterplanning begins for Pioneer Park”