Category Archives: Uncategorized

There is no point pretending the last week has been anything other than bruising for the Labour Party. The May election results were devastating. Across the country, voters sent a very clear message. They are angry, they are frustrated, and they do not feel that politics is delivering quickly enough for them, their families orContinue reading “Weekly Column – 20.05.2026 – What you might have missed in the noise”

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington has backed new Government action to crack down on organised crime gangs exploiting Britain’s high streets through rogue businesses. The Government has announced a £30 million nationwide crackdown targeting dodgy barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops involved in money laundering.  These shops will face raids, closureContinue reading “MP backs action to close dodgy shops”

Work is about far more than a payslip. It’s about confidence, purpose, routine, friendship and feeling part of your community. That’s why this Labour Government is investing significant funding into programmes designed to tackle the stubborn long-term unemployment levels left behind by the Tories. And it is why local projects like Hall Garden in WorkingtonContinue reading “Weekly Column – 13.05.2026 – Where community and opportunity come together”

Clean, locally generated power is now flowing at Whitehaven Academy, as new solar panels funded by Great British Energy have been successfully installed on the school’s roof. Josh MacAlister visited the academy last week to see the panels in action and meet with the school’s “industrial cadets” – a group of students leading the wayContinue reading “Solar savings switched on at Whitehaven Academy”

Twenty-two months ago, people in West Cumbria voted for change. Not slogans, not sticking plasters, but a serious government prepared to roll up its sleeves and begin the hard work of rebuilding our country. As we reach the end of this first Parliamentary session, it’s right to take stock – honestly, not complacently – ofContinue reading “Weekly Column – 06.05.2026 – Lots done, lots to do”

Thousands of renters across West Cumbria will benefit from the biggest strengthening of renters’ rights in over 40 years, as the Government’s landmark Renters’ Rights Act comes into force. Across our area these changes will bring greater security and stability to local families who rent their homes. The new law delivers long-awaited reforms to makeContinue reading “Josh MacAlister MP welcomes stronger renters’ rights for West Cumbria”

Disabled people across West Cumbria can now try work without the fear of immediately losing their benefits, as new legislation came into force this month. The “Right to Try” reform means that people receiving support such as Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, or the health element of Universal Credit can take steps intoContinue reading “Barriers to work lifted for disabled people across West Cumbria as ‘Right to Try’ law comes into force”

At the start of this month, households across West Cumbria saw bills fall through the new energy price cap – saving the average family over £100. Alongside that, targeted support for heating oil users is now being rolled out locally, helping around 1,000 households. But events in the Middle East continue to drive uncertainty inContinue reading “Weekly Column – 29.04.2026 – Securing Britain’s energy future”

Cumbrian farmers are set to play a leading role in shaping the future of England’s uplands, following the publication of a major government-backed review calling for a reset in how farming, nature and rural communities are supported. The report, “Towards a Flourishing Uplands – Phase 1”, highlights the critical importance of areas like Cumbria forContinue reading “Cumbrian farmers at heart of new plan to secure future of uplands”

A remarkable young fundraiser from West Cumbria was given a once-in-a-lifetime experience after being invited to a St. George’s Day reception at 10 Downing Street. Ten-year-old Frankie McMillan attended the event as a guest of local MP Josh MacAlister, alongside his mum Basia, who is a member of Wasdale Mountain Rescue. The reception, hosted byContinue reading “Young West Cumbrian climber meets PM at St George’s Day reception”