Author Archives: joshmacmp

Small businesses are the beating heart of West Cumbria’s economy – from pubs and cafés to manufacturers and family-run shops. They employ local people, keep our high streets alive, and drive the community spirit that makes our area special. But too often, they are being choked by a simple injustice: not being paid on time.Continue reading “Weekly Column – 29.10.2025 – Time to pay up for local businesses”

For years, red tape has made it harder for pubs to serve food outside, host live music, or even stay open. Now Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister is calling time on bureaucracy and asking local punters to join him and back our pubs. The Government has launched a fast-track review to tear up outdatedContinue reading “MP calls time on outdated pub rules”

The Cumberland Nuclear Future Board, chaired by Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister and Cumberland Council leader Cllr Mark Fryer, met this week with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to review the next phase of work to bring new nuclear and AI-led growth to West Cumbria. Cumberland MPs Markus Campbell-Savours and Michelle Scrogham were also inContinue reading “Board makes progress on plan for new nuclear in West Cumbria”

For too long, people in Cumbria have had to put up with bus services that don’t work for us. Whole communities have no access to buses at all and those that do face unreliable timetables and connections that don’t join up. In rural areas like West Cumbria, this isn’t a small inconvenience – it’s aContinue reading “Weekly Column – 22.10.2025 – Taking back control of our buses”

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven & Workington, has launched his first annual Christmas card competition and is inviting local people to submit photographs that capture the very best of West Cumbria – from our coastline and fells to our towns, villages, and community spirit. Josh said: “Every year I’m blown away by the talent andContinue reading “MP launches Christmas card photo competition”

Josh MacAlister MP has welcomed today’s Government announcement that Cumbria will be among the first areas in the country to pilot new bus franchising powers, giving local authorities a greater say over how services are run. Josh MacAlister MP said: “I’m delighted that Cumbria has been chosen to lead the way in piloting new approachesContinue reading “Cumbria starts to take back control of buses”

Thousands of people in Cumbria who are sick, disabled, or face complex barriers to work will receive personalised support to get into good jobs, thanks to a £11.7 million investment for the county from Labour’s Connect to Work programme. The funding – part of a £167 million national expansion and a £1 billion UK-wide planContinue reading “Labour Government invests £11.7 million to help 2,750 Cumbrians into work”

Workington MP Josh MacAlister joined Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, and local police officers on patrol in Workington this week as part of Operation Enhance – an initiative that continues to deliver significant results in tackling anti-social behaviour across West Cumbria. Operation Enhance, funded through the Government’s Hotspot Response Fund, targets areasContinue reading “MP joins patrol in Workington as part of Operation Enhance”

Cumbria has enormous potential – from the energy coast to the Lake District, from our thriving towns to our world-class industries. But too often, decisions about our future are made in Whitehall. This week, we took an historic step to change that. Both local authorities made the decision this week to seize Labour’s offer toContinue reading “Weekly Column – 15.10.2025 – Taking back control for Cumbria”

Whitehaven MP Josh MacAlister paid a visit to the Whitehaven Sea Cadets and Whitehaven Royal Air Force Cadets this week to meet local young people and adult volunteers involved in the cadet movement. During the visit, Josh toured the training facilities, spoke with cadets about their experiences, and learned more about the skills and opportunitiesContinue reading “MP salutes local cadets during visit”