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 who make these moments of reflection possible.

In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday, I was proud to join volunteers from Bransty Royal British Legion and Workington Royal British Legion for shifts selling poppies. It’s always humbling to see how generously local people continue to give and to share their own stories of service and remembrance. Thanks to all the RBL volunteers who took part.

Last year, I attended services in Whitehaven and Workington. This year, I joined members of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and the Fell & Rock Climbing Club for the annual Remembrance service on the summit of Great Gable – the country’s highest act of remembrance, held in memory of climbers who lost their lives in the First World War and subsequent conflicts. Standing nearly 3,000 feet above the valleys, it was a truly moving way to honour the sacrifice of all those who gave up their tomorrows for our today.

I would like to record my sincere thanks to Lady Anne Cunningham and Councillor Joe Ghayouba, who kindly laid Parliamentary wreaths on my behalf at the services in Workington and Whitehaven. I am grateful to them, and to everyone who took part in dozens of ceremonies across all our towns, villages and mountain tops.

Whether in a packed town square, a quiet churchyard, or on a windswept fell, West Cumbria came together this weekend to remember those who gave everything for our freedom. We will remember them.

Josh MacAlister

MP for Whitehaven & Workington

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 to 4pm, the Whitehaven Youth Hub provides a relaxed space where young people can meet with a Jobcentre Work Coach and seamlessly connect with key partners such as The Kings Trust, Better Bodies, and local employers – without the need for appointments or delays.

Alongside one-to-one support, the Hub also hosts a range of engaging group activities, including employer roundtables bringing together local businesses and young jobseekers, inspirational speaker sessions and workshops and drop-ins delivered by third-sector organisations and employers.

Hosted by Inspira, the Hub represents a strong partnership between local organisations working together to support young people in West Cumbria. Plans are underway to open one in Workington.

During his visit, Josh MacAlister MP praised the initiative, saying:

“The Youth Hub is about breaking down barriers, building confidence, and creating real opportunities for young people. This is exactly the kind of partnership working our community needs.

“I am pleased to hear that Jobcentre plans to open another in Workington and look forward to visiting when it opens. Having spoken to young people using the service, it’s clearly making a difference and I’d like to see more support like this to help people get into work.”

The Whitehaven Youth Hub aims to become a cornerstone of youth employment support in the area – offering a space where young people feel welcomed, heard, and empowered to achieve their goals.

Cumbria Youth Alliance (CYA) has taken the voices of Cumbrian young people to the heart of government, securing pledges of support from MPs, commissioners, funders, businesses and national policymakers.

Last week, a CYA delegation travelled to Westminster to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary and showcase its impact across Cumbria. In two and a half decades, CYA has supported more than 100,000 young people aged 11-25, (30,000 in the last five years) opening pathways to brighter futures.

“Last Tuesday, Cumbrian young people were front and centre of the Westminster agenda,” said Mark Libby, Chair of CYA. “Alongside politicians and leading figures from across the country, our team and young people shared CYA’s proven, innovative solutions. The event was also about looking forward, informing best practice and ensuring every young person in Cumbria can thrive.”

Becky Wolstenholme, CYA’s CEO, said highlights of the event included inspiring speeches from four young people and an impromptu juggling display from Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale. “It was fantastic to see the youth voice shining through,” said Becky. “We received offers to help with capital funding to complete internal works at our Workington buildings, pledges of ongoing financial support, and invitations to develop new partnership programmes. Both Tim Farron and Josh MacAlister, Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, spoke very highly of CYA and our impact. It was a phenomenal experience and a brilliant way to celebrate our milestone.”

One of Cumbria’s youngest accredited youth workers, Lizzie Hudspith-Spence, represented young people and the wider youth sector. “I spoke with Julie Minns, MP for Carlisle, about my journey into youth work and third sector leadership,” she said. “I also met Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, to discuss leisure and recreational opportunities like Penrith’s skatepark and pump track, which keep young people active and connected.”

Lizzie added: “Attending Westminster was truly inspiring. Having my voice heard among MPs and sector leaders reinforced how vital it is for young people to be represented in national discussions about the future of our communities. Continuing to spotlight youth work and partnership in Cumbria will help build stronger networks and lasting, positive change for young people across the county.”

Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister said:

“It was a real pleasure to welcome Cumbria Youth Alliance and a fantastic group of young Cumbrians to Westminster. The energy, ideas and ambition they brought were inspiring. 

“For 25 years, CYA has been helping young people across Cumbria find their voice and their purpose – often when they’ve needed it most. Their work makes a genuine difference in our towns and communities, and I’m proud to support what they do to give every young person the best chance to thrive.”

Mountain Rescue volunteer and MP for Whitehaven & Workington, Josh MacAlister, has joined climbers, mountain rescue volunteers and walkers on the summit of Great Gable to take part in what is believed to be the highest annual Remembrance service in England.

Josh made the climb alongside volunteers from the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, taking part in the annual ceremony organised by the Fell & Rock Climbing Club (FRCC).

Held at 899 metres (2,949 feet) above sea level, the Great Gable service brings together hundreds of people each year to honour those who gave their lives in conflict – including members of the FRCC who fell during the First World War.

Standing at the memorial plaque near the summit cairn, Josh joined fellow climbers and rescuers in a two-minute silence at 11am, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Lake District.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“It was a real privilege to take part in the highest Remembrance service in the country. The walk up Great Gable is a challenge, especially with the Cumbrian weather, but it’s an incredibly special way to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice – including the climbers remembered on the summit plaque.

“As a Mountain Rescue member, it was especially meaningful to climb alongside volunteers from the Wasdale team and share this moment of reflection together. From the top, with the fells stretching in every direction, it’s impossible not to feel humbled by their courage and the peace they fought to protect.”

The Great Gable service has been held every year since 1924, when the Fell & Rock Climbing Club gifted 3,000 acres of the surrounding land to the National Trust in memory of their fallen members.

When I think back to one of my first big challenges after being elected last year, the story that stands out is the eviction of every tenant from the Slipway apartments in Whitehaven.

Dozens of residents were told they had just two months to pack up and leave their homes – not because they’d done anything wrong, but because the law allowed it. Many had lived there for years, one woman in her 80s for decades. It was a devastating experience for the people involved, and it placed real pressure on already-stretched local housing services.

That injustice has stayed with me ever since, and last week I’m proud that we finally took the action needed to stop it happening again. The government’s Renters’ Rights Act has now become law – banning so-called “no-fault” evictions and giving renters more security in their homes.

Across England, around 11 million people rent privately. Here in West Cumbria, thousands of families and individuals do the same – and they’ll now be protected from being forced out of their homes without good reason.

The new law doesn’t just ban unfair evictions. It’s the biggest shake-up of the private rented sector in more than 40 years. It extends the Decent Homes Standard to private rented properties, so tenants can expect safer, better-maintained homes. It introduces an independent Ombudsman to deal with complaints quickly and fairly. It stops landlords and agents from driving up prices through rental bidding wars. And it gives tenants new rights to request a pet, which landlords can only refuse on reasonable grounds.

These are fair, practical measures – good news for renters, but also for good landlords. The vast majority of landlords here in West Cumbria already do the right thing: they look after their properties, charge fair rents, and treat tenants with respect. For them, this Act simply levels the playing field, driving out rogue operators who undercut responsible landlords by cutting corners or exploiting loopholes.

Of course, the Act won’t fix every issue in our local housing market. We still face a serious shortage of homes for rent and for sale. That’s why the government’s commitment to build 1.5 million new homes – including affordable and social housing – is so vital. I’ll be working with the government and the council to ensure we get our fair share of those here.

Everyone deserves a safe, secure home – whether they rent or own. The Renters’ Rights Act is an important step toward that goal, and I’m determined to make sure it delivers real results for people here in West Cumbria.

Plans to revive Whitehaven town centre are gathering pace as the latest progress update on the development of the town’s Masterplan was presented to the Whitehaven Town Centre Board last week.

The Board, chaired by Josh MacAlister MP and Cllr Emma Williamson, reviewed the latest version of the emerging Masterplan, which outlines a long-term vision to revitalise Whitehaven as a living, prosperous and vibrant town centre – a place where people choose to live, work, visit and invest.

The Whitehaven Masterplan aims to co-ordinate public and private investment, celebrate the town’s heritage and natural assets, and strengthen its role as a key centre within West Cumbria’s economy.

The presentation detailed the findings from the first phase of consultation and engagement, which involved residents, businesses, landowners and community groups across the town. Feedback revealed strong local ambition for a more connected, attractive and welcoming Whitehaven, with a thriving mix of shops, leisure spaces, and community facilities.

A second round of public consultation is planned for December, including targeted engagement with local businesses and young people, whose voices are key to shaping the final plan.

Work is now underway to come up with some specific deliverable projects and a Strategic Outline Business Case to guide future investment and delivery. Ideas received from the public so far include better celebrating the town’s maritime heritage, a new food market, more independent shops, new housing to rent and a wider cultural offer for the town’s residents and visitors.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“We’re making real progress in setting out an ambitious yet achievable vision for Whitehaven’s future. The Masterplan will help us unlock investment and ensure Whitehaven is a place people are proud to call home and excited to visit.

“I’m grateful to all the residents, businesses, and partners who have shared their ideas so far – your input is shaping a future where Whitehaven can thrive as a vibrant, well-connected town at the heart of West Cumbria. A town proud of its heritage yet looking to the future.”

Cllr Emma Williamson, Deputy Leader of Cumberland Council, added:

“This Masterplan is about building confidence and pride in Whitehaven’s future. It brings together our shared priorities – more good-quality homes, better spaces for people to meet, and stronger links to our coastline and heritage.

“The feedback we’ve received so far shows a real sense of local ownership, and I’d encourage everyone to stay involved as we move into the next stage of consultation later this year.”

Residents can still share their views in Josh’s survey at joshmacalister.uk/whitehaven

Small businesses are the beating heart of West Cumbria’s economy – from pubs and cafés to manufacturers and family-run shops. They employ local people, keep our high streets alive, and drive the community spirit that makes our area special. But too often, they are being choked by a simple injustice: not being paid on time.

Late payments are one of the biggest complaints I hear from local business owners. Far too often, large companies drag their heels when it comes to paying smaller suppliers. Across the UK, an estimated £26 billion is owed in late payments at any given time. It’s a scandal that costs the economy billions and leads to the closure of around 14,000 small businesses every year – that’s 38 a day.

That’s why the Labour Government is taking tough action. We’ve already legislated to require large companies to report on their payment practices in their annual reports, shining a light on bad behaviour. We’ve also launched a Fair Payment Code, encouraging big firms to set an example by paying suppliers quickly and fairly. And we’re now consulting on further measures to ensure small businesses are paid promptly and that persistent late payers face real consequences.

I want West Cumbrian businesses to have their say. If you’ve been affected by late payments, I want to hear from you: joshmacalister.uk/business. Your experiences will help me make the case in Parliament for stronger protections and fairer treatment for local entrepreneurs.

But tackling late payments is just one part of our plan to rebuild the local economy. The Labour Government has reformed business rates, making the system fairer for small firms and giving high streets a fighting chance. Here in West Cumbria, many hospitality businesses are already benefitting from enhanced rate relief, easing the pressure after years of rising costs and helping them to invest, create jobs, and keep our towns vibrant and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.

To make sure local voices are heard, I’m launching a new West Cumbria Business Forum – a space for business owners, entrepreneurs and local employers to share their experiences directly with me and shape Labour’s agenda for growth in our area. Whether it’s access to finance, fair taxation or investment in skills, I want this forum to be a partnership between local businesses and their MP. You can sign up at joshmacalister.uk/business, where you can also find details of the event I’m hosting for local SMEs with Google Digital Garage in Workington on Friday 14th November.

When small businesses are paid on time and given fair support, money flows through our local economy, jobs are created, and communities thrive. Together, we can build a fairer, stronger economy for West Cumbria – one where good businesses are rewarded, not penalised, for doing the right thing.

For years, red tape has made it harder for pubs to serve food outside, host live music, or even stay open. Now Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister is calling time on bureaucracy and asking local punters to join him and back our pubs.

The Government has launched a fast-track review to tear up outdated licensing rules that have been holding back pubs, bars and local events and Josh is asking those who know best to share their views: landlords, punters and communities.

Whether it’s enjoying a pint with friends while listening to a local band, grabbing a bite from a pop-up food stall, or taking part in a community quiz night, the changes being proposed could make it easier for pubs and bars to offer the kind of experiences people love.

By removing unnecessary barriers, the government wants to help venues bring more fun, flavour and connection to our high streets and make it simpler to enjoy the best of British hospitality.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“I want our brilliant pubs to succeed – both as businesses and because of the value they bring to our communities. Just the other day I was in the King’s Arms in Egremont, which recently underwent a £450,000 refurbishment, demonstrating the commitment of the operator, Admiral Taverns, to the pub and the town.

“I want us to empower publicans like King’s Arms landlady Louise and make it easier for them to operate, so I’m chuffed that the Government is listening to owners, punters and communities to learn what they need. I’d urge anyone who wants to help boost our pubs to take part in the consultation.”

The shake-up could mean more street food, more live music, and fewer hoops to jump through for venues trying to bring people together – all while keeping the public safe.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:

“This review will help us cut through the red tape that has held back our brilliant hospitality sector, giving them the freedom to flourish while keeping communities safe. That is the balance we’re trying to strike. We’re determined to back small businesses and bring the buzz back to our high streets.” 

The call for evidence is focused on nine key recommendations from the Government’s Licensing Taskforce, with particular emphasis on streamlining on-trade alcohol licensing for hospitality venues. It comes off the back of the landmark Small Business Plan, which in July included the most substantial measures to tackle late payments for a generation while unlocking billions in access to finance.

You can have your say by responding to the consultation at joshmacalister.uk/business

The Cumberland Nuclear Future Board, chaired by Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister and Cumberland Council leader Cllr Mark Fryer, met this week with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to review the next phase of work to bring new nuclear and AI-led growth to West Cumbria.

Cumberland MPs Markus Campbell-Savours and Michelle Scrogham were also in attendance, alongside the leaders of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Sellafield Ltd, David Peattie and Euan Hutton, and Sue Ferns from Trade Unions for Safe Nuclear Energy (TUSNE).

The meeting marked an important step forward in the plan for Pioneer Park, the site adjacent to Sellafield that could host the next generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and support the development of AI and data centre infrastructure to power a more diverse local economy.

Following a market engagement process led by BEC, which drew interest from over thirty developers, energy providers and technology firms, the Board agreed that progress is being made in narrowing down the right approach for the site.

Speaking after the meeting, Josh MacAlister MP said:

“A year ago we set out to clear the way for new nuclear in West Cumbria. Today we’ve taken another decisive step.

“Pioneer Park will be the engine room for Britain’s next industrial chapter – combining clean energy and AI innovation. It’s about powering new opportunities for a pioneering community that once led the world in nuclear energy and I’m determined will do so again.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added:

“West Cumbria has always played a leading role in Britain’s nuclear story. The progress being made here shows what can happen when local and national partners work together to shape the next chapter – one that combines clean energy with new industries.”

At the meeting, the Board reviewed emerging findings from BEC’s engagement with industry and agreed to focus on:

• Continuing work with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to finalise a practical route for transferring land for development;
• Developing a clear and timely process to identify a preferred private developer and technology partner during early 2026;
• Exploring options for early site survey and preparatory work to maintain the target of having new generation capacity in place by the mid-2030s;

The Board also noted the growing alignment between Pioneer Park and Cumberland’s proposal to become the UK’s first Nuclear-Powered AI Growth Zone, bringing together clean energy, data and advanced manufacturing.

Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said:

“We’re building on West Cumbria’s strengths – our nuclear expertise, our skilled workforce and our sense of community purpose. Pioneer Park is about turning that heritage into new opportunities for the next generation.”

For too long, people in Cumbria have had to put up with bus services that don’t work for us. Whole communities have no access to buses at all and those that do face unreliable timetables and connections that don’t join up. In rural areas like West Cumbria, this isn’t a small inconvenience – it’s a barrier to jobs, education, healthcare and social life.

Until now we’ve been powerless to do anything about it. Services are run for profit and commercial operators are not accountable to the communities they serve or the elected representatives of those communities. That’s about to change in Cumbria.

Last week the Government announced Cumbria as the location for a groundbreaking new rural bus franchising pilot. For the first time, we’ll be able to test what taking back control of our buses really means – giving local leaders and communities the power to design a network that works for the people who actually use it.

Franchising allows councils to set bus standards, routes and timetables – putting passengers, not profits, first. It’s about running buses as a public service again, not just a business.

The Labour Government is also backing Cumberland’s Labour Council to invest in growing the bus network. £3.5 million to fund new and improved routes across West Cumbria will be announced any day now – perhaps by the time you read this – and it will show what can be achieved when local and national government work together. This investment will deliver better timetables, more frequent services, and new links that connect people to jobs, schools and high streets. Thanks go to Cllr Denise Rollo for leading the charge to improve our local bus network.

And this is just the beginning. The Government will shortly announce a multi-year bus funding settlement for Cumberland Council – the first of its kind – allowing the council to plan for the long term. I’ll be pushing for this to deliver more regular services between our towns and villages, improved evening and weekend routes, and investment in cleaner, more reliable buses for the future.

But to truly take back control of our bus network, we need a directly elected mayor for Cumbria with the powers to bring services fully under public control. A mayor can join up transport planning across the county – ensuring routes connect, fares are fair, and buses run when people need them. 

This franchising pilot is just the first stop on that journey. If we get this right, we can build a bus network that connects every part of Cumbria – from our towns and villages to our coast and countryside – and ensures that no community is left behind.

It’s time to bring our buses back under local control, and make public transport in Cumbria something we can all rely on and be proud of once again.