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 – of what has been achieved, and what still needs to change.

We said we would deliver a generational boost to workers’ rights, and we have. Stronger protections at work, more security in hours and pay, and an end to the race to the bottom that left too many people feeling disposable. Alongside that, we’ve delivered the strongest protections for renters in a generation – benefitting around 5,000 people here in West Cumbria – giving families greater stability and dignity in their homes.

We’ve taken tough action where it was long overdue. After years of neglect, the water industry is now subject to serious regulation to clean up our rivers and coastline. We’ve ended the dither and delay and made more progress to advance new nuclear and other clean energy developments than any government in decades.

For thousands of low-paid workers locally, the rises in the minimum wage have made a real difference. Pensioners, too, have seen substantial increases in the state pension. Combined with action to bring down energy bills and freeze bus and rail fares, these steps are easing the pressure on household finances – though I know many are still feeling the strain.

On the NHS, progress is being made. Waiting lists are coming down. We’ve recruited more GPs and expanded NHS dental provision here in West Cumbria. It’s not fixed overnight, but we’re heading in the right direction.

For families, we are rebuilding support that was stripped away. The return of Sure Start through new Best Start Family Hubs in Whitehaven and Workington is already making a difference. Free childcare has expanded, alongside free breakfast clubs and wider access to free school meals that will lift half a million children out of poverty.

As a Minister, I’ve been focused on children who need the most support. We are investing billions into children’s social care and renewing the fostering system, so that vulnerable children can grow up in safe, stable, loving homes.

And yes, we have begun to fix a broken immigration system – restoring control and returning tens of thousands of people with no right to be here.

But there is so much more to do and I know there’s frustration. People want to see these changes show up in their bills, when they need the doctor or when they are planning for their family’s future. I agree. The job isn’t done – not even close.

What we have done is start. After years of drift, we’ve set a new direction. The challenge now is to be bolder – so that more people in West Cumbria not only hear about change, but feel it in their everyday lives. At the start of the new parliamentary session, that’s my focus as your MP.

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 make renting fairer, safer and more secure, including a ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, meaning landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason.

Renters will also benefit from limits on rent increases, an end to bidding wars, new rights to request a pet, stronger protections against discrimination, and greater flexibility with rolling tenancies – helping people put down roots in their communities with confidence.

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said:

“For too long, too many renters in West Cumbria have lived with the constant worry that they could be asked to leave their home with little notice and no good reason.

I’ve heard directly from local residents about the stress and uncertainty that creates – especially for families trying to build a life here.

“We saw what happened at the Slipway apartments in Whitehaven, where residents were forced out after the building was bought by a developer looking to convert the flats into short-term lets for contract workers.

“People who had made their lives there were suddenly uprooted through no fault of their own. That simply isn’t right, and it’s exactly the kind of situation these new laws are designed to prevent.

“It’s disappointing that Conservative and Reform MPs voted against these plans. At a time when renters needed stronger protections, I believe we should be coming together to fix a system that hasn’t been working for too many people.”

Under the new legislation, landlords must now provide a clear and legitimate reason for ending a tenancy, helping to prevent sudden displacement and giving renters greater security.

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 into work without automatically triggering a reassessment of their benefits.

Across West Cumbria, many people with long-term health conditions have said they want to work – but have been held back by the risk of losing vital financial support if things don’t work out.

More than a third of disabled people nationally say this fear has stopped them from taking that first step into employment.

This new law removes that barrier – giving people the confidence to test what’s right for them, whether that’s returning to work, building skills, or starting with volunteering.

The changes have been shaped directly by disabled people and charities, including through government collaboration committees, ensuring the system reflects real experiences.

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said:

“This is a really important step forward for people here in West Cumbria. I’ve spoken to many residents who want to work, contribute, and build a future – but who’ve felt trapped by a system that punishes them for trying.

“The Right to Try changes that. It gives people the security to take that first step without risking everything.

“In communities like ours, where good jobs and opportunities matter so much, this is about unlocking potential – helping people into work in a way that works for them, and strengthening our local economy at the same time.”

The reform is part of wider efforts to support people into good, secure jobs, backed by £3.5 billion of investment in employment support by the end of the decade.

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 in global energy markets: the second major fossil fuel price shock in less than five years. We cannot continue to be exposed to volatile international markets in this way. Short-term help must go hand in hand with long-term solutions. That’s why the Government has set out a major package of measures to strengthen Britain’s energy security and protect consumers.

The answer is to take back control of our energy system through clean, homegrown nuclear and renewable power. Not to roll back on these commitments.

That means accelerating investment in nuclear and renewables. It means speeding up grid connections and reforming planning rules so projects like Pioneer Park can be delivered faster and more affordably. 

And it means more help for households to make the transition to cheaper, cleaner energy. That’s why we’re increasing the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant to £9,000 for homes using heating oil or LPG, helping more people switch to modern, lower-cost heating systems. And we’re upgrading local social housing and helping low-income households access plug-in solar panels, making the benefits of clean energy more accessible.

Crucially, the Government is also taking steps to fix how our energy market works. At the moment, electricity prices are still tied to the cost of gas, meaning families can end up paying more even when cheaper clean energy is available. Plans to move away from this system will help protect households from future spikes.

Alongside this, there are long-overdue reforms to the energy regulator, Ofgem. New powers will mean tougher enforcement, faster compensation, and the ability to hold energy companies properly to account.

It’s important to be clear about the alternative being put forward by others. Calls to abandon net zero and step back from clean energy investment would not solve the problems families face today. In fact, it would do the opposite – removing support for households to upgrade boilers or install renewables, leaving us more dependent on imported fossil fuels, and keeping us exposed to exactly the kind of global price shocks we are seeing now. That approach would simply lock us into the same cycle of rising bills and uncertainty. And devastate the nuclear revolution we’re seeing thanks to this government.

I know many families are still feeling the pressure. That’s why the Government has been clear: if global instability continues and prices remain high into the autumn, further support will be considered.

In the meantime, these announcements show a clear direction – lower bills now, stronger protections for consumers, and a long-term plan to deliver energy security for communities like ours.

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 for food production, landscape management and rural livelihoods – but concludes that current policies are too fragmented and often fail to work for the farmers on the ground.

Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister has said the findings must mark a turning point for hill farming in West Cumbria:

“Farming in Cumbria isn’t just an industry – it’s a way of life that underpins our communities, our landscapes and our local economy. This review is an important step in recognising that the current system isn’t delivering what farmers need.

“Too often, decisions are made nationally without fully understanding the realities facing hill farmers here – from rising costs and tight margins to the loss of vital local services.”

The review points to growing pressures on upland farms, including declining profitability, uncertainty around environmental schemes, and the erosion of rural infrastructure such as local abattoirs, livestock markets and veterinary services.

It also highlights the challenges facing the next generation of farmers, with barriers to entry and succession making it harder for young people to stay in the industry.

Crucially, the report calls for a move away from “one-size-fits-all” policy towards more locally designed solutions – giving farmers and communities a stronger voice in shaping the future of the uplands.

The review also stresses the need to move beyond the perceived conflict between farming and nature, recognising that many upland farmers are already delivering environmental benefits alongside food production.

Cumbria will be among the areas involved in developing new approaches, offering farmers the opportunity to help design systems that reflect the realities of upland farming, thanks to the Uplands Transformation Pilot secured by Josh and Cumbria’s other MPs.

Josh added:

“This is about putting farmers back in the driving seat. Those who know the land best must have a bigger say in how it’s managed and supported.

“We need policies that back profitable farming, strengthen local supply chains and properly reward the work farmers do to protect and enhance our environment.”

“Our farmers are already doing the right thing – looking after the land while producing high-quality food. The challenge now is to make sure the system supports them to keep doing that, not makes it harder.

“If we get this right, we can secure a future where farming thrives, nature recovers and rural communities like ours remain strong.”

Further details on how Cumbria will be involved in the next phase of the uplands programme are expected in the coming months.

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 by the Prime Minister to mark St. George’s Day, brought together people from across the country who are making a difference in their communities – and Frankie certainly fits the bill.

The youngster has taken on an extraordinary challenge: climbing the 32 highest mountains in Europe by next summer. If successful, Frankie will secure a new world record. So far, he has raised over £25,000. He is aiming to raise £50,000 for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Frankie’s efforts are in honour of his school friend Xander, who lives with a life-threatening heart condition. Through his fundraising, Frankie hopes to bring free heart screenings to young people in West Cumbria, where there is currently no local provision.

Mr MacAlister said it was an honour to invite Frankie and his mum to such a special event.

He said: “Frankie is an inspiration to all of us. What he’s doing at such a young age is incredible – not just climbing these mountains, but doing it to help save lives.

“It was fantastic to have him and Basia with me at Downing Street for St George’s Day. He represents the very best of West Cumbria, and I know the whole community will be behind him.”

Frankie said he was “really excited” to visit Downing Street and take part in the celebrations.

He said: “It was amazing to meet the Prime Minister and tell him about my fundraising campaign. I’m climbing mountains because I want to help my friend Xander and other children.

“If we can raise enough money, more kids can get their hearts checked and it could save lives.”

Basia, who volunteers with Wasdale Mountain Rescue, has been supporting Frankie with his preparation as he looks to take on some of Europe’s toughest peaks.

Josh added: “This is what St George’s Day is all about – celebrating people who go above and beyond for others. I’d encourage everyone locally to support Frankie if they can.”

Frankie is continuing his fundraising effort over the coming months as he works towards his £50,000 target. Donations will help fund vital heart screenings for young people in the area.

You can sponsor Frankie here

Families across West Cumbria have told me, time and again, that the system meant to support children with special educational needs and disabilities simply isn’t working as it should. Long waits, complex processes, and a constant battle to secure the right support have left too many parents feeling exhausted and unheard.

That’s why the Government is acting, with real investment and reform, to build a SEND system that works for families here in West Cumbria.

Last week, I was pleased to help secure a new package of support through the “Experts at Hand” programme, which will provide nearly £2 million to Cumberland Council to bring specialist expertise directly into our local schools. This is part of a £429 million national investment next year, and a wider £1.8 billion commitment over three years to transform how support is delivered.

What does that mean in practice? It means schools having direct access to educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists – the professionals families often wait months, even years to see. It means earlier help for children, without the need for lengthy assessments or bureaucratic hurdles. It means getting support in place quickly, locally, and without a fight.

This builds on the £4.2 million capital investment I helped to secure last month for Cumberland to create more specialist places and improve facilities in mainstream schools for children with SEND. That funding will help ensure more children can attend a school close to home, learning alongside their peers while being in an environment that meets their needs.

But investment alone isn’t enough. We also need to fix the system itself. That’s why the Government’s SEND White Paper – still out for consultation – sets out a clear plan to restore confidence, put inclusion at the heart of education, and ensure support is delivered earlier and more consistently across the country.

Crucially, these reforms are being shaped by the people who know the system best.

Last week, I again brought together parents from across West Cumbria, supported by BEE Unique and Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland, to hear directly about their experiences. Their honesty was powerful. They spoke about the challenges they’ve faced, but also about what good support looks like – and how transformative it can be when it’s done right.

As Minister for Children and Families, I’ve worked closely with colleagues across government to ensure that voices like theirs are not just heard, but acted upon. That has been central to shaping our reforms.

We are determined to build a system where every child can thrive – where support comes early, where schools are equipped to meet a wide range of needs, and where parents no longer have to fight for the help their children deserve.

There is still more to do. But with this investment, and these reforms, we are taking an important step forward for children and families across West Cumbria.

Josh MacAlister MP has officially opened a new free breakfast club at Northside Primary School, Workington, helping local families with the cost of living while giving children the best possible start to their day.

The club – the fifth to launch in West Cumbria since last year – is part of Labour’s national rollout of Best Start free breakfast clubs, with hundreds of schools opening their doors to provide children with a healthy meal and 30 minutes of free childcare before lessons begin. The programme is designed to support working parents, improve school readiness, and boost children’s life chances.

Families in Northside are set to benefit from more flexible mornings, with parents able to get to work on time, attend appointments, and manage daily routines more easily. The scheme is expected to save parents up to £450 per child each year while providing around 95 additional hours of support annually.

During his visit, Josh MacAlister met with staff and pupils and saw first-hand how the club is already making a difference.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“Opening the new free breakfast club at Northside Primary School is a fantastic moment for local families. This is exactly what delivering on our promises looks like – practical support that makes a real difference to people’s lives.

“These clubs mean children can start the day ready to learn, while parents have more flexibility in the morning and more money in their pockets. It’s about breaking down barriers to opportunity and making sure every child, no matter their background, gets the best start in life.”

Research shows breakfast clubs can improve attendance, behaviour and attainment, helping children settle into the school day and focus on learning.

Gemma Brierley, Headteacher at Northside Primary School, said:

“We’re delighted to launch our new breakfast club here at Northside Primary. It’s already having a really positive impact – children are arriving settled, socialising with their friends, and ready to learn from the moment lessons begin.

“For many families, this support is invaluable. It gives parents peace of mind in the mornings and ensures every child starts the day with a nutritious meal and a calm, welcoming environment.”

The rollout of free breakfast clubs is part of wider government action to support families with the cost of living, alongside expanded childcare provision, holiday clubs, and measures to reduce school uniform costs.

The government has committed to extending free breakfast clubs to all primary schools nationwide, ensuring every child has access to a strong start each day.

Children and families across West Cumbria are set to benefit from a major new investment in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, as Cumberland Council receives £1.87 million to roll out a new “Experts at Hand” service.

The funding is part of a £429 million national programme to transform support for children with SEND, helping ensure they can access the right help earlier, without long waits or complex processes.

Whitehaven and Workington MP and Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister, helped to secure the funding, which will bring specialist expertise directly into local schools.

The new “Experts at Hand” service will give schools faster access to professionals such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists – meaning children can get support in place quickly, without needing to go through lengthy statutory assessments.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“Too many families across West Cumbria have faced long waits and barriers to getting the support their children need.

“This £1.87 million investment will help change that – bringing specialist expertise straight into our schools so children can get help earlier, without parents having to fight for it.

“Whether it’s support from a speech and language therapist or advice from an educational psychologist, this new service will make a real difference for families across our communities.”

The funding will support a more joined-up approach between mainstream schools, specialist settings and local services, ensuring children with SEND can access help closer to home.

The announcement builds on the £4.2 million in High Needs capital funding already secured for Cumberland, which will be used to create more specialist places and improve facilities in local schools – helping more children learn in inclusive environments within their community.

It also forms part of the Government’s wider SEND reforms, set out in the Schools White Paper and currently out for consultation, which aim to restore confidence in the system and ensure support is delivered earlier and more consistently.

Last week, Josh brought together parents of children with SEND from across West Cumbria, supported by BEE Unique and Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland, to hear directly about their experiences and ensure local voices are shaping national reforms.

Josh MacAlister has praised the incredible impact of the Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project after attending its 30th anniversary celebration in Whitehaven.

The event marked three decades of dedicated support for young people in Whitehaven, bringing together volunteers, families, and local supporters to celebrate the organisation’s achievements. The day featured a community bake sale and a unique sponsored climbing challenge, where participants collectively reached the height of Mount Everest using the project’s indoor climbing wall.

Josh MacAlister MP joined in the challenge himself, climbing alongside young people and staff to help raise funds and awareness for the project’s ongoing work.

Speaking after the event, Josh said:

“It was a privilege to join the Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project in celebrating 30 fantastic years of supporting young people. The dedication of the staff and volunteers is truly inspiring, and it’s clear just how much this organisation means to the local community.

“The sponsored climb was a brilliant way to bring people together. I was delighted to make a tiny contribution to support such an important cause. Projects like this provide vital opportunities, safe spaces, and encouragement for young people to thrive.”

Stuart Dunnett, Project Director of the Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project, added:

“Reaching 30 years is a huge milestone for us, and it’s a testament to the generations of young people, staff, and volunteers who have been part of this journey. Seeing the community come together shows just how valued this project is. We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support and excited for what the future holds.”