Labour Member of Parliament for Birmingham Selly Oak and Minister for the Armed Forces in the Ministry of Defence. Served 24 years in the Royal Marines, now a Reservist and politician.https://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3mczobkhdv22n@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 jobs22 Jan 2026 17:06 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3mczobkhdv22nhttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3mc3lz5rips2kOur 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. 🫡 https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/ex-marine-who-put-life-3652715810 Jan 2026 18:05 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3mc3lz5rips2khttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3m6pfef5n4s23Lovely 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. [contains quote post or other embedded content]28 Nov 2025 17:19 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3m6pfef5n4s23https://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3m635ronmyk24🏟️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.20 Nov 2025 16:10 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3m635ronmyk24https://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3m4t3fwks4k2yIt 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. #Remembrance04 Nov 2025 17:41 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3m4t3fwks4k2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3lzogm5jhmk2j💪 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.25 Sep 2025 17:03 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3lzogm5jhmk2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3lz45x2wklc2tYesterday, 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. https://www.bvt.org.uk/news-and-events/al-carns-mp-visits-new-apartments-for-families-in-bournville/18 Sep 2025 10:40 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3lz45x2wklc2thttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3lxca7f3hcc2a https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6821434/marine-commando-to-member-of-parliament-al-carns/26 Aug 2025 09:46 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3lxca7f3hcc2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3lw556uq6bc2yI 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.11 Aug 2025 15:43 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3lw556uq6bc2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3lvv5ny5uic2qI 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.08 Aug 2025 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3lvv5ny5uic2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3lvqep7ppfc2oGreat 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.06 Aug 2025 13:53 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3lvqep7ppfc2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3lvdeb7jrrk2sDuring 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.01 Aug 2025 09:41 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3lvdeb7jrrk2shttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3lusfjryabs2pAs 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.25 Jul 2025 15:48 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3lusfjryabs2phttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3lui74pp3p22jOn 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.social21 Jul 2025 14:27 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3lui74pp3p22jhttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3ltwhecwlyk2tA 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.14 Jul 2025 13:06 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3ltwhecwlyk2thttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3lttnn67wxs2mI'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/wm25alcarns13 Jul 2025 10:20 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3lttnn67wxs2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3ltrn5wjihk2aLast 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.12 Jul 2025 15:07 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3ltrn5wjihk2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3ltom4zfm3c2gLast 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.11 Jul 2025 10:10 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3ltom4zfm3c2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3ltjn3spqrc2bI 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.09 Jul 2025 10:44 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3ltjn3spqrc2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3lthfx4koks2iToday 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.08 Jul 2025 13:31 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3lthfx4koks2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3ltbyhamq5k2gCurry, 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!06 Jul 2025 09:46 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3ltbyhamq5k2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/alcarns.bsky.social/post/3lt2zbijyy22gDue 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.03 Jul 2025 15:12 +0000at://did:plc:ql7locinf4ynpoqe6du746ui/app.bsky.feed.post/3lt2zbijyy22g