Category Archives: Uncategorized

A powerful exhibition of artwork created by care-experienced young people from north and west Cumbria has been showcased in Parliament, thanks to local MPs. The Re-write the Narrative exhibition, which brings together artwork, poetry, photography and creative installations, was hosted by Whitehaven & Workington MP and Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister and Carlisle MP Julie MinnsContinue reading “Care-experienced young people’s powerful artwork brought to Parliament”

A lot of people ask what an MP does at weekends. With Parliament keeping me in Westminster from Monday to Thursday (outside recess), Fridays and weekends are my chance to get around West Cumbria, listen to people and champion our communities. Here’s a snapshot of what I got up to last weekend. Friday began atContinue reading “Weekly Column – 11.11.2026 – A weekend in the life of your MP”

West Cumbrian MP and Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister has announced new government rules to make schools genuinely mobile phone-free, delivering on a campaign he began when he was first elected to Parliament. The MP for Whitehaven and Workington made the announcement in a statement to the House of Commons today (Tuesday 10th November), confirming thatContinue reading “West Cumbrian MP announces tougher school mobile phone ban in Parliament”

My letter submitted to this week’s Whitehaven News and Times & Star: I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone across West Cumbria who helped organise and took part in this year’s Remembrance events and Poppy Appeal. Remembrance is one of the most important moments in our national calendar. It’s a time toContinue reading “Letter to the Editor”

Young people who have been in care will be better protected from falling into homelessness with new duties on councils to support young people as they step out of care and towards independent living. The Care Leaver Homelessness Reduction Action Plan, launched at the start of Care Leavers Month 2026, declares that no young personContinue reading “Plan to drive down homelessness for young people leaving care”

Cumbria’s Labour MPs have secured Government backing for a new network of veterans support centres, bringing specialist help closer to thousands of former service personnel and their families. The successful bid will see a flagship VALOUR centre established in Penrith, supported by local centres in Carlisle, Barrow, Grange, Kendal, Whitehaven and Workington. The investment followsContinue reading “Cumbria’s Labour MPs secure new veterans support centres across county”

I know how tightly many household budgets are stretched. The cost of heating a home, filling the car and doing the weekly shop adds up quickly. That is why the Chancellor’s Budget last week focused on giving families some breathing space. In January, eligible households in council tax bands A to D will receive aContinue reading “Weekly Column – 04.11.2026 – A Budget for breathing space in West Cumbria”

Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister has written to the Environment Secretary following his latest roundtable meeting with local farmers, held in partnership with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU). The meeting was part of a series of regular discussions Josh holds with local farmers to hear directly about the challenges facing their businesses and theContinue reading “Josh MacAlister MP takes farmers’ views direct to Government”

West Cumbrian MP Josh MacAlister and Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen have backed new powers to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour following a joint walkabout with neighbourhood police officers in Workington town centre. Josh and Dave joined members of Cumbria Police’s neighbourhood policing team last week to speak directly with residents and localContinue reading “Josh MacAlister and David Allen back tougher action on anti-social behaviour”

Last weekend’s severe weather has been a timely reminder of just how quickly storms can disrupt life here in West Cumbria. With Storm Boelo bringing powerful winds, heavy rain and flooding along our coastline, many residents will understandably be concerned about what the coming winter might bring. We’ve seen before how storms can leave communitiesContinue reading “Weekly Column – 28.10.2026 – Getting West Cumbria ready for winter”