Author Archives: joshmacmp

National Apprenticeship Week last week was a good moment to stop and recognise something we do incredibly well here in West Cumbria. We train more apprentices than almost anywhere else in the country. That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s down to the hard work of local colleges, training providers, employers and, most importantly, the youngContinue reading “Weekly Column – 18.02.2026 – Championing our brilliant apprentices”

Josh MacAlister MP has welcomed confirmation from the Environment Agency that St. Bees has been designated a priority bathing water site following its recent reclassification from Excellent to Good. After raising concerns about the downgrade, Josh requested further investigation into the causes of the change in water quality. The Environment Agency has now completed DNAContinue reading “Action plan to restore St. Bees bathing water rating”

A cancer diagnosis changes your life in an instant. Almost every family in West Cumbria will know someone who has faced that moment – or will in the future. How quickly and well we are treated can make the difference between life and death. That is why the National Cancer Plan, published last week, mattersContinue reading “Weekly Column – 11.02.2026 – Why the National Cancer Plan matters for West Cumbria”

Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister has welcomed the Labour Government’s announcement that ground rents will be capped at £250 a year, calling it a “long overdue step that will make a real difference to leaseholders in West Cumbria.” The Government confirmed the cap as part of a wider package of measures. Josh MacAlister MPContinue reading “Josh MacAlister MP welcomes Labour’s plan to protect leaseholders in West Cumbria”

– Advanced Nuclear Framework to support delivery of new nuclear at Pioneer Park, creating jobs and accelerating local growth West Cumbria is set to play a leading role in the UK’s next generation of nuclear power, following the publication today of the Government’s new Advanced Nuclear Framework. The Framework provides a clear route to marketContinue reading “Government backing to unlock advanced nuclear at Pioneer Park in West Cumbria”

Read my press release on this announcement here When I travel around West Cumbria, I’m always struck by the same thing: the strength of our communities, and the quiet commitment of people who step up for others without fuss or fanfare. Foster carers are among them. Every day, foster families across the country open theirContinue reading “Weekly Column – 04.02.2026 – Expanding fostering in Cumbria and across England”

Josh MacAlister, Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington and Minister for Children and Families, has today set out how the Government’s new Fostering Action Plan will strengthen support for foster carers and help more children grow up in stable, loving family homes in Cumbria and across the country. Read my column for this week’s WhitehavenContinue reading “Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister sets out plan to renew fostering in Cumbria and across England”

Hospice at Home West Cumbria has received £51,073 in additional government funding, helping to support the refurbishment of its new headquarters in Workington. This funding builds on more than £100,000 of NHS capital funding allocated last year and will help create improved facilities for patients, families, staff and volunteers. The refurbishment will include new officeContinue reading “Hospice at Home West Cumbria receives £51,073 to support new Workington headquarters”

Families in Workington are set to benefit from a new government-funded breakfast club at Northside Primary School, announced as part of the next phase of the national rollout. The programme will ensure pupils can start the school day with a healthy breakfast in a calm, supportive environment – helping children to be ready to learnContinue reading “Northside Primary School to benefit from new government-funded breakfast club”

Whitehaven will have access to a wider set of face-to-face banking services after Cash Access UK confirmed that a Banking Hub is coming to the town. The announcement follows the decision by Santander to close its Whitehaven branch, which had been the last remaining high street bank in the town. The new Banking Hub willContinue reading “Banking Hub confirmed for Whitehaven after long-running campaign”