Category Archives: Uncategorized

Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister, has welcomed the Labour Government’s freeze on rail fares – the first in 30 years. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the freeze ahead of the Budget this week, promising to put money back in the pockets of commuters after decades of spiralling fares. For example, a typical commuter travelling toContinue reading “Rail fares frozen for commuters in West Cumbria”

Flimby is set to see major improvements after Josh MacAlister MP and Cllr Bill Pegram secured £50,000 from Cumberland Council to upgrade the village play park next year – a first step in a decade-long programme of investment for the community. The funding follows determined campaigning by local young people Kaelan and Ethan, who gatheredContinue reading “£50,000 secured for Flimby play park as residents help shape £20 million investment plan”

Josh MacAlister MP has welcomed the Government’s announcement of an additional £2 million to protect and maintain war memorials across the country – and is calling on local residents to report any memorials in West Cumbria that may be in need of repair. War memorials are an essential part of our local and national history.Continue reading “Josh MacAlister MP launches call for evidence as new national funding aims to protect war memorials”

When I was elected last year, I made clear that my top priority was to help unlock the Moorside site for new nuclear. For too long, West Cumbria has lived with the disappointment of false starts on new nuclear. The collapse of the NuGen project under the Tories in 2018 left a plan-shaped hole inContinue reading “Weekly Column – 19.11.2025 – A year of real progress on Pioneer Park”

Construction of a new youth and community centre in Seascale is under way – marking a significant milestone for a local charity. The Shackles Off Youth and Community Project is delighted to have been awarded over half a million pounds from Nuclear Wastes Services’ Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) programme, through Mid Copeland Community Partnership.  AContinue reading “Shackles Off breaks new ground as work under way on much needed community centre”

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, secured commitments from Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy during a meeting in Westminster this week to drive forward progress on key local projects. At the meeting, Josh led discussions on the urgent repair of the Bransty rail tunnel, the long-term solution to the orange water flowing into WhitehavenContinue reading “MP leads push for rail and harbour renewal in West Cumbria”

The next phase of West Cumbria’s clean energy and technology future has taken a major step forward today, as the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) confirmed £1 million funding for a masterplan for Pioneer Park – the site on land at Moorside adjacent to Sellafield earmarked for new nuclear development and AI-led growth. The funding willContinue reading “£1 million funding boost marks major step forward for Pioneer Park”

This month is National Care Leavers Month – a time to celebrate the strength and potential of young people who have grown up in care, and to shine a light on the work still to be done to support them. The theme this year, “Rising as Me”, feels especially fitting. It speaks of transformation, ofContinue reading “Weekly Column – 12.11.2025 – Standing with care-experienced young people”

My letter for this week’s Whitehaven News and Times & Star As we mark another Remembrance weekend, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone across West Cumbria who played a part in this year’s commemorations – from those who organised parades and services, to the volunteers, standard bearers, youth groups and musicians whoContinue reading “Thank you to all who helped us to remember”

Josh MacAlister MP has visited the newly opened Whitehaven Youth Hub, which runs weekly at Whitehaven Library. The Hub offers young people a welcoming, alternative environment to the traditional Jobcentre setting – designed to help them access support, build confidence, and take positive next steps toward work or training. Open every Friday from 10am toContinue reading “Josh MacAlister MP visits Youth Hub to celebrate new space supporting young people into work”