The residents, members & local businesses behind the Stirchley Co-op Development have invested years of time, energy & resources into making the project a success. They deserve certainty about their future. I'll keep fighting for local people & community ownership www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...

I am seriously concerned by reports of intimidation and violence in Stirchley on Thursday, and have written to WMP. The Union Jack is a symbol of unity, not division; of patriotism, not polarisation. I condemn all attempts to hijack our flag and sow violence in our communities for political gain.

Lovely to join @alcarns.bsky.social over the weekend in Birmingham as part of my effort to try all the best baltis across the city. Where should we go next?

It was great having Armed Forces Minister, @alcarns.bsky.social, back in Ipswich. Labour's Defence team have delivered: - the largest sustained increase in core defence funding since the Cold War - the biggest armed forces pay rise in 20+ years - £9bn to upgrade Armed Forces' family housing

Great to be joined by @alcarns.bsky.social in Paisley today to speak with local people about the change only Scottish Labour can bring on Thursday. #BackBibby

Labour is taking decisive action to back our Armed Forces & their families who make huge sacrifices to keep us safe. This landmark Bill delivers on our promise to put service personnel, veterans & their families first. Proud to join Minister @alcarns.bsky.social to support the #ArmedForcesBill

👏 Residents in Selly Oak Birmingham met with @alcarns.bsky.social MP to discuss the importance of the Climate and Nature Bill, and the urgent action needed to tackle the climate-nature crisis. 🐝 Thanks to The Co-operative Bank for helping #CANBill campaigners reach more decision makers.

@teamlabouruk.bsky.social is investing £1.5 BILLION into our arts, museums, libraries, and heritage sites over the next 5 years. £760m – museums £425m – arts venues £230m – heritage buildings £27.5m – libraries ✅Protect 1,000+ local cultural venues ✅Secure thousands of jobs

Our country has always stood up in the face of tyranny. This isn’t about politics. This comes down to having the courage to make the right decision. 🫡

Honoured to join the Armed Forces Minister, @alcarns.bsky.social MP and the Redditch Royal British Legion for the dedication of the Jarvis Room at Bridley Moor & Batchley Social Club. The Royal British Legion and its volunteers do invaluable work supporting veterans and serving personnel.

🌹 🇬🇧 Real patriotism isn’t about shouting or division. It’s about service, responsibility and rebuilding Britain together argues Veterans Minister @alcarns.bsky.social

Lovely to visit @yardleywoodsch.bsky.social today and present a prize to Aaryan, this year’s brilliant runner-up in my Christmas card competition. A huge well done to Aaryan, and thank you to everyone at the school for the warm welcome and for all you do for our young people.

🏟️The designs for the new @birminghamcity.bsky.social stadium look fantastic 🌍With such a clear nod to the city’s rich history, the stadium will become a national landmark attracting visitors worldwide 💼This major infrastructure project will have a transformational impact on the region and the city.

It was a privilege to join fellow Defence Ministers yesterday to pay our respects at the Constituency Garden of Remembrance at the Palace of Westminster. The Garden brings together tributes from every constituency in the UK, as well as from the Commonwealth and the Overseas Territories. #Remembrance

£20 million community investment for Druids Heath • #SellyOak MP @alcarns.bsky.social secures £2m a year for a decade from Pride of Place programme READ: bvoices.uk/4h11G8N #SellyOak #Birmingham #DruidsHeath #community

💪 Since being elected, I’ve worked hard in Parliament to stand up for Selly Oak – and now that work is delivering real results. 🙌 We’ve secured £20 million of long-term funding for Druids Heath through Labour’s Pride in Place programme: £2 million every year for the next decade.

Yesterday, I joined Bournville Village Trust and Spring Housing Association for a tour of the Beeches. The building in Bournville is being given a new lease of life as apartments for families (on Birmingham City Council’s waiting list) who are in urgent need of a home.

I recently had the pleasure of spending an evening in conversation with the brilliant Jacqui Smith. It was a privilege to share stories from my time in the Royal Marines, Everest, my year as MP for Selly Oak & my time in Government as Minister for Veterans & People. Here’s to the journey ahead.

I visited Acorns Children's Hospice and admired the new mural created in honour of the remarkable Benjamin Zephaniah- renowned poet, musician, actor, proud Brummie, and advocate for causes close to his heart. Benjamin was a devoted long-standing supporter of Acorns, generously giving his time.

Great to visit Birmingham Hippodrome- the UK’s busiest theatre and a real cultural gem for our city. The Hipp is more than a stage- it’s a driver of opportunity, creativity & over £73m in economic value for our region. I’m looking forward to working together to champion the role of the arts in Bham.

During a recent visit to Birmingham Children's Hospital, I witnessed remarkable work from an exceptional team dedicated to supporting all our children and women in society. I learned about the Trust's innovative approach, including 3D-printing heart models to enhance cardiology treatment.

As veteran, I recognise the challenges that many of our Service personnel can face when transitioning back to civilian life. This week's visit to Combat Stress in Birmingham was deeply moving. I saw the care being provided and met veterans who are on their journey to recovery.

On Friday, I made my first ever plasma donation at the Birmingham Donor Centre. As MP for Selly Oak, I’m proud to stand up for a stronger, more self-sufficient NHS. Plasma donations are vital– they help treat over 50 life-threatening conditions. #giveplasma @givebloodnhs.bsky.social

A reminder that I will be at Cotteridge Church on Mon 21 July, to discuss and address the issue of poverty with our constituents. I am eager to hear the concerns and issues of local residents, take questions, and discuss the efforts being made to combat poverty at both local and national levels.

I'd be delighted if you could join me on Thur 24 July for a relaxed evening filled with stories, laughter, perhaps a drink or two, and an exclusive look into my life as an MP. Most importantly, your presence will support Labour's 2026 campaign fund. 🎟️Book your tickets here: labevents.org/wm25alcarns

Last week, I visited the Outpost Arts Centre in Druids Heath and meeting with Jayne. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about this remarkable community facility. We discussed the Cultural Placemaking Plan for Druids Heath and the ongoing efforts to establish a Cultural Action Area.

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Christchurch C of E Secondary Academy. Since the tragic loss of their student Leo Ross, the school community has faced significant challenges. It was heartening to return to the school and reconnect with the remarkable staff and students.

I had a fantastic time attending this year's CoCoMAD festival at Cotteridge Park on Saturday. It was great to see so many people there enjoying themselves. CoCoMAD is run by Friends of Cotteridge Park, a group of dedicated volunteers who are always looking for more people to join their team.

Today marks a fantastic milestone for rail travel in our region as the Midlands Rail Hub progresses, bringing with it new connections, additional platforms and up to 300 extra trains daily. At a visit to Kings Norton Station I witnessed how this investment will bridge communities and enhance travel.

Curry, beer and wine in Stirchley on Friday. A great end to a Friday night, and a great end to a first year with a legendary team. For all the leaders out there- "you are only ever as good as your team". Thanks guys for a fantastic year!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the venue for my next advice surgery this Saturday has changed. The new details are below. I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

n Armed Forces Week we honour the men and women who risk their lives in defence of our nation. This Labour Government has delivered the largest pay rise to the Armed Forces in 20 years. Now we're tackling improving forces housing with Homes Fit for Heroes. @alcarns.bsky.social

🎖️ As part of Armed Forces Week I spoke to the team at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. My message to SMEs is clear: veterans bring talent, discipline, and value — and employers should take notice. #ArmedForcesWeek #VeteransInBusiness #GreaterBirmingham #AFW2025

I'm really looking forward to attending this year's CoCoMAD festival at Cotteridge Park on Sat 5 July. I hope to see some of you there- you don’t need a ticket, and can bring the whole family. Thanks to the community of Cotteridge. Without your support, this wonderful festival wouldn’t be possible.

Great to see this amazing work from Bournville Village Trust, who are working in partnership with Small Woods, supporting veterans to transition back to civilian life. It's fantastic to see them learning new practical skills and preserving woodland, while sharing their experiences.

It was an honour to meet the Royal Air Force Air Cadets from Kings Heath & Moseley and Rubery Squadrons today. I joined them at their hub in Rubery, and for some fieldcraft training in the Waseley Hills. Young people from across Selly Oak attend both squadrons to gain further skills and experiences.

Great to speak with Jane Haynes from @birminghamlive.bsky.social about my upcoming Mission: Everest. I've been inspired to take on this challenge by the efforts of volunteers I've seen in Selly Oak who contribute so much to make lives better, from litter picking to supporting the local hospices.

I recently met with a group of residents in Bournville, who are tackling road danger and making it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to get around. The discussion was very constructive and I look forward to working with them to make Selly Oak a safer and easier place to get around on two wheels.

That ride with @alcarns.bsky.social looked like this. Thank you to Al for making time to meet local residents concerned about tackling road danger and making it easier to get around the Selly Oak constituency and the wider city, including several from @betterstreetsforbirmingham.org.

The lives we live today are made possible by the sacrifices of the past. As we mark #VEDay80 this year, we show our thanks for the strength and dedication of our Armed Forces, both past and present.

Calling all budding artists🧑‍🎨 – here is your opportunity to decorate 10 Downing Street! To mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, we’re inviting children to take part in a competition to design bunting for the celebrations. For more information and how to enter, visit: ve-vjday80.gov.uk/10-downing-s...

The support Manchester gives to our Armed Forces Community starts with its leaders. So it’s been great to meet with Mayor @andyburnham.bsky.social to recognise everyone involved in helping to deliver the Greater Manchester Armed Forces Covenant Roadmap. @greatermcr.bsky.social deserve great credit.

Cllr Mary Locke is hosting a jobs fair to connect jobseekers with employers offering full-time, part-time and flexible vacancies. If you're looking for work or looking to fill a vacancy, please join Mary at Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, B30 2JT on Wed 9 April from 10am to 1.30pm.

Casework is one of the most important processes within my parliamentary role. Helping people in Selly Oak will always be my top priority. #sellyoak #casework #memberofparliament

I was really pleased to find out this morning that Bournville Radio Sailing and Model Boat Club and Boating Lake has been granted Grade II listed status by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England. Built in 1933, the Cadbury family funded the construction.

Last week, I met acclaimed actor Larry Lamb in Westminster to celebrate Marie Curie's Great Daffodil Appeal. I also met dedicated staff & volunteers from the UKs leading end of life charity. I encourage people across Selly Oak to show their support for the Great Daffodil Appeal in any way they can.