🍻 Fighting for Fairer Taps for Local Beer 🍻 Spot us on the telly? Recently, we welcomed Birmingham Brewing Company, Indian Brewery, @greenduckbrew.bsky.social, and Silhill Brewery alongside local MPs @alcarns.bsky.social, @larryturner.bsky.social,
Al Carns
@alcarns.bsky.social
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.
McDonald’s has recently announced new plans for a development on the Hazelwell Lane site. Plans were previously introduced back in 2024 and following a public consultation McDonald’s returned to the drawing board. To let me know what you think, fill out this form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
I'm Listening: Stirchley McDonald's
You may have seen that McDonald’s have recently announced new plans for a development on the Hazelwell Lane site, besides Aldi. Plans were previously introduced back in 2024, and following a public co...
docs.google.com
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...
‘The soul’s been ripped out of it’: Birmingham community housing scheme on brink over costs dispute
Row over ‘landmark’ development in Stirchley has left people homeless and put businesses at risk, say locals
theguardian.com
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. 🫡
Ex-Marine who put life in politicians' hands makes Nigel Farage prediction
Veterans' minister Al Carns, a former Marine who was awarded the Military Cross in 2011, said Nigel Farage's refusal to back British troops going to Ukraine shows who he is as a leader
mirror.co.uk
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
‘Real patriotism is about service, not spectacle’ – LabourList
Real patriotism doesn’t shout. It doesn’t wave a flag to win an argument. It is lived quietly, every day, by people who look after one…
labourlist.org
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.
We loved having MP @alcarns.bsky.social visit our school today! He presented a prize to our amazing runner-up in this year’s Christmas card competition. We are all proud of you Aaryan!
🏟️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 #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.
Al Carns MP visits new apartments for families in Bournville : Bournville Village Trust
Serving communities since 1900
bvt.org.uk
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.