Workington MP Josh MacAlister paid a visit to McMenon Engineering this week to meet staff and see how a proud local manufacturer is making a global impact while continuing to invest in West Cumbria.

From its headquarters in the town, McMenon designs and makes precision instruments that measure flow and temperature – vital tools used in industries as varied as energy, water, food, and pharmaceuticals. Each year, more than 10,000 products are built in Workington and shipped to over 60 countries around the world.

But while McMenon’s reach is international, its roots are firmly local. The company employs skilled workers from across West Cumbria and is passionate about supporting apprenticeships, giving young people the chance to train for rewarding careers in engineering.

During his visit, Josh toured the workshops, spoke with apprentices, and heard directly from the team about their pride in producing high-quality British engineering.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“It was brilliant to see the incredible work happening at McMenon right here in Workington. The skill, dedication and innovation on display are inspiring – and it’s clear this company is not only flying the flag for British manufacturing across the world but also providing fantastic opportunities for local people.”

McMenon CEO Anand Puthran added:

“We were delighted to welcome Josh and show him around. While most of what we make is exported, our heart is in West Cumbria. Our team is proud to contribute to the local economy and to help nurture the next generation of engineers from our community.”

With more than 75 years of local manufacturing heritage, McMenon remains a shining example of how a West Cumbrian business can succeed globally while keeping community at its core.

Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister has brought together grassroots sports clubs from across West Cumbria following the Government’s announcement of a landmark £400 million investment in local sport facilities and initiatives.

The funding, unveiled recently by the Labour Government, will be delivered over the next three years to improve local facilities, strengthen community clubs, and encourage more people to take up sport and physical activity. Ministers have described the package as a “game-changer for the nation”, with a focus on tackling health inequalities and ensuring every community has access to high-quality sports provision.

At the meeting in West Cumbria, representatives from local football, rugby, cricket, hockey, athletics, and gymnastics clubs came together to share their priorities. Cumberland Council and Active Cumbria also joined the discussion. Clubs highlighted the need for:

• Upgrading pitches and training facilities, including all-weather surfaces
• Modernising changing rooms and clubhouses to make them more inclusive
• Expanding opportunities for women and girls in sport
• Improving access for young people and families, particularly in poorer and more rural areas of West Cumbria

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“This investment from the Labour Government is a once in a generation chance to transform grassroots sport. We are lucky in West Cumbria to have so many brilliant local clubs, run by volunteers who give their time week in, week out. But too many facilities are outdated, and too many people still face barriers to getting active.

“By working together on a local plan, we can make sure West Cumbria is at the front of the queue when the funding is rolled out. This is about investing in our health, our young people, and our communities.

“I want this to be just the start of the conversation. If you run a local club or community sport project, please get in touch with me. The more ideas and evidence we have, the stronger our case will be. Together, we can make sure West Cumbria benefits from this historic investment in grassroots sport.”

I am extremely disappointed that the tunnel will remain closed until next spring and angry at the disruption this will cause to passengers on the Cumbria Coast Line.

I have received assurances that rail services will continue to run as far as Corkickle from the south and Whitehaven from the north and will raise any issues that arise with services directly with bosses at Northern.

I have also made clear to Network Rail my strong view that the temporary treatment works on the water from the tunnel should continue throughout the closure so that we don’t see Whitehaven Harbour return to its orange state while work continues on a permanent fix to that problem. They have committed to explore this.

Tens of millions of pounds are now needed to fix this problem. I have already made representations to the Rail Minister to ensure that we get the funding we need. But the problems in the Bransty tunnel are a symptom of years of neglect of the line under the previous government and demonstrate the urgency of a wider and significant upgrade to the Cumbria Coast Line. My Cumbrian MP colleagues and I have been calling for this upgrade since the election last year and our work continues to deliver it. We will be meeting with the Rail Minister in the next few weeks to press our case again.

This week Parliament took another stride towards delivering the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation. The Employment Rights Bill passed through to its next stage – a victory for the millions of people who’ve been left for too long with insecurity, poor pay and a system stacked against them.

This Bill is not tinkering around the edges. It rips up the old, broken model and replaces it with something fairer. Day one rights to protection against unfair dismissal. Day one rights to parental leave. The end of exploitative zero-hours contracts. A ban on the disgraceful “fire and rehire” tactics used to bully workers into signing worse contracts. Strengthening statutory sick pay and extending it to another 1.3 million of the lowest earners.

These aren’t just improvements for employees – they’re good for businesses too. Higher staff retention, lower recruitment costs, and a more stable, productive workforce. Security at work isn’t the enemy of growth – it’s the foundation of it.

But look at who lined up against it. The Conservatives, of course, but also Reform, who claim to be the party of working people. Nothing could be further from the truth. It was a revealing moment. When the choice was between standing with working families in West Cumbria or siding with the exploiters, the Tories and Reform chose the latter. They showed once again that they are not on the side of the working people who graft to keep our economy moving.

For too long, Britain has had a low-wage, high-insecurity model of work. The result? Families unable to plan their futures, communities hollowed out, and the worst period of industrial strife in decades under the last Conservative government. This Bill turns the page. It’s about building a new partnership between government, business and trade unions – one rooted in co-operation not conflict.

No one should be treated as disposable at work. No one should fear losing their job because they asked for fair hours or called in sick. And no one should doubt that this Labour government is serious about raising the floor of workplace rights, creating a fairer economy and giving working people the dignity they deserve.

Reform UK like to dress themselves up as something new, but the truth is they are fast becoming nothing more than the Conservative Party in exile. Every week another senior Tory who led us to the mess we inherited last summer crosses the floor to join them, and every week Reform’s voting record shows they are welded to the same old dogma: weaker rights for workers, handouts for bad bosses, and hostility to trade unions. They are not a fresh alternative – they are the same busted engine of insecurity and low pay, just with a different badge on the bonnet.

Labour is the only party of decent work, fair pay, and a better deal for working people in West Cumbria and across Britain.

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, has slammed a decision by the North East and North Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) not to act on recommendations in an independent review it commissioned which called for the process which led to the decision to close Yewdale Ward at West Cumberland Hospital to be rerun.

The independent review secured by Mr MacAlister delivered a damning verdict on the process followed by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Trust;

• CNTW did not fully consider or present alternative ways of keeping mental health beds in West Cumbria.
• CNTW failed to meaningfully involve patients and the public at an early stage, raising serious doubts about whether legal duties to involve were properly discharged.
• Engagement was carried out too late and created a perception that decisions were already predetermined, undermining trust in the process.

The review recommended that the process be rerun in full, with proper consideration of all options and meaningful early involvement of patients and families and elected representatives.

However, following a meeting between the ICB and the Conservative Chairman of Cumberland Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee, the ICB has decided not to act on the recommendations and allow the closure to go ahead unchallenged, despite overwhelming opposition from the people of West Cumbria.

Josh said:

“I was extremely angry and frustrated to receive a letter from the ICB confirming that, following a meeting with the Conservative Chairman of Cumberland Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee, they have decided not to act on the recommendation of the independent review I secured which advised that they force Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust to rerun their decision making and consultation process – as it was flawed from the start.

“I wrote to the Health Scrutiny Committee imploring them to support my effort to have the ICB take this action but I received no response from the committee’s Conservative Chairman. I am very disappointed that the ICB and the Chair of the committee have decided to act against advice and the community of West Cumbria and allow CNTW to get away with running a flawed and seemingly pre-determined process to close Yewdale ward. This is a betrayal of West Cumbria.

“I’ll be raising this with health ministers and seeking to ensure that any future attempt to change health services in West Cumbria MUST go through a full and fair decision making process, requiring consideration of all possible options and extensive formal public engagement and consultation. However, I fear this is sadly the end of the road for our effort to prevent the closure at this time of Yewdale ward.”

I was honoured this weekend to be asked to serve as a Minister in the Department for Education. It is a responsibility I take on with the experiences of children and families here in West Cumbria always at the front of my mind.

My professional life has been shaped by a commitment to children and young people. I began as a teacher, before becoming CEO of a charity dedicated to recruiting and developing brilliant social workers to support families in need. In 2022 I chaired the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, calling for major reforms and new investment to ensure every child can grow up in a safe, stable and loving home.

Since being elected as your MP, I’ve worked hard to turn those recommendations into reality. Many are now being taken forward by the Labour government, backed by £2.1 billion in funding. In my new role I will work with the brilliant Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson, the ministerial team at the Department for Education, and colleagues across government to deliver on our commitment to transform the lives of vulnerable children.

But while this ministerial post gives me a platform to make change nationally, my most important job remains here in West Cumbria. As your MP, I will continue to be a champion for our area and for your priorities. Whether it’s bringing new nuclear here, upgrading our railway line and port, securing investment in our towns, or improving our health services, West Cumbria will always come first.

As Parliament returns from the summer recess, I’ll be stepping up the pace to deliver. The initial market engagement for potential developments at Pioneer Park concludes this month, and I am meeting ministers and officials to ensure we move quickly to select a developer. Next month I’ll lead the third delegation of Cumbria’s political and business leaders to meet the Rail Minister to keep pressing our case for the Cumbria Coast Line upgrade. Work on a draft masterplan for regenerating Whitehaven town centre and on the business case for upgrading the Port of Workington is underway, and I am working with the council and government on funding options. Locally, our new Urgent Dental Access Centre is now fully operational, our 24/7 community mental health hub will open soon, and a bid has gone in for a new Neighbourhood Health Centre in Workington.

Becoming a Minister is a huge privilege. But it is the trust placed in me by the people of West Cumbria that drives me every day. Whatever happens in Westminster, my priority will always be to serve you.

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, has praised a new dental service in Whitehaven which is helping people in north and west Cumbria to access urgent dental care when they need it most.

Whitehaven Urgent Dental Access Centre provides appointments to diagnose and treat urgent issues for patients, including severe toothache; dental abscesses; broken or knocked-out teeth; bleeding in the mouth following a dental procedure or injury that does not stop by itself; swelling in the mouth or to the face; fractured, loose or displaced fillings causing pain; and severe bleeding from gums or conditions that affect the soft areas of the mouth.

The centre will offers 30 30-minute urgent care appointments each day, with priority given to those with the greatest clinical needs.

During a visit to the centre last week, Josh MacAlister MP met with staff and patients to see first-hand what the service offers. Josh said:

“The new Urgent Dental Access Centre is already transforming urgent access to NHS dentistry here in West Cumbria. Every day, dozens of people who might otherwise struggle to find an urgent dental care appointment are now being treated by skilled and dedicated professionals.

“This is a really important step forward in addressing the backlog and improving dental health locally, while the government does the longer term work of reforming the NHS dental general and routine access contract to retain and recruit more NHS dentists for areas like ours.”

Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister has been appointed as Minister for Children & Families in the Department for Education in the government’s reshuffle.

Josh said his new ministerial role would allow him to deliver change nationally, but stressed that his “most important job remains here in West Cumbria.”

His professional life has been shaped by a commitment to children and young people. He began his career as a teacher before becoming CEO of a charity dedicated to recruiting and developing social workers to support families in need. In 2022, he chaired the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, calling for major reforms and investment to ensure every child can grow up in a safe, stable and loving home.

Since being elected as MP, many of the recommendations laid out in his review have been adopted by the Labour government, backed by £2.1 billion of funding secured at the Spending Review.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“I am honoured to have been asked to serve as a new Minister in the Education Department. My career has always been about improving opportunities for children and young people, and I will now work with Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson, my colleagues at the Department for Education and across government to deliver the reforms that vulnerable children need.

“But while this ministerial role gives me a platform to make change nationally, my most important job remains here in West Cumbria as your MP. I will continue to be a champion for our communities – whether that’s bringing new nuclear here, upgrading our railway line and port, securing investment in our towns, or improving our local health services.

“Becoming a Minister is a huge privilege. But it is the trust placed in me by the people of West Cumbria that gives me the opportunity to serve in this way. Whatever happens in Westminster, my priority will always be to serve you.”

Over summer there was lots of noise about our national flags. You may have seen stories about them being put up on street signs without permission, forcing councils to remove them. What should have been a simple issue of following the rules has turned into a row about patriotism, culture and identity.

I am proud of our flags. When we see the Union Jack flying at an international event, or when the St. George’s Cross is waved in the stands at an England match, it stirs something. These flags represent who we are as a nation. They are part of our shared story, and they belong to every single one of us.

Sadly, there are some who want to use our flags to divide us. We’ve seen extremists try to hijack them, using them as a symbol of anger and exclusion rather than pride and unity. Andrew Currien, a former English Defence League thug who was jailed for his part in a racist death, has been revealed as one of the main organisers behind “Operation Raise the Colours”. That’s not patriotism – that’s provocation. Real patriotism is about recognising the things that bring us together: our resilience in tough times, our hardworking communities, and the diversity that makes Britain such a special place to live.

Here in West Cumbria, I see that spirit every single day. I hear it in the voices of children on my school visits every Friday, who speak with such pride in their communities. I see it in the crowds of thousands who turn out to support our football and rugby teams – even in the famous Cumbrian weather! I see it when our veterans’ groups march proudly on Remembrance Sunday and our community turns out to honour them. 

Think of what our flags have flown over in recent times: the incredible effort of our NHS staff during the pandemic; the service and sacrifice of our armed forces; the sporting triumphs that have lifted the nation. Our flags don’t stand for one group, or one narrow view of what it means to be British. They stand for all of us.

That’s why I believe we shouldn’t be afraid of showing pride in them. Flying a flag isn’t about politics – it’s about celebrating the best of our country and the values we share: democracy, decency, solidarity and the rule of law.

So let’s not allow our flags to be misused as a wedge between communities. Let’s take them back for what they truly are: a reminder of our shared pride, our shared story, and our shared future. I proudly display the flag in my offices in Whitehaven and Westminster and support residents who want to fly the flag on their property. The Union Jack and the St. George’s Cross don’t belong to extremists or to any one political party. They belong to you, to me, and to every person who calls this country home.

The government’s expansion of 30 hours a week of free childcare comes into effect this week – and up to 3,000 children across Cumberland are set to benefit.

The extension to all qualifying children between 9 months and 2 years old fulfils a Labour manifesto commitment to cut the cost of childcare, helping more parents into work, and reducing the cost of living for young families. The move is expected to save working parents up to £7,500 a year. 

At the same time Labour has put in place protections for parents to further bear down on the cost of childcare by preventing ‘top up fees’ and overcharging for nappies, lunch and other ‘consumables’.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“Labour promised to take action to bring down the cost of childcare and that’s exactly what we are doing. From this week thousands more children in our area will gain support worth up to £7,500 a year – that makes a real difference.

“We know change will take time, but through extended free childcare, the expansion of free breakfast clubs and free school meals, protections for parents on hidden costs at nurseries and the price of sending children to school, Labour is taking real action to help working parents with the cost of living, and help and our children get the best start in life.

“I want to hear how the rollout of free childcare is working in practice in our area so please get in touch with me if you are experiencing any difficulties that I can help with.”

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