Al Carns

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

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

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 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…

🌹 🇬🇧 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

#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.

Great to see you, Shivaji.

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

Taking back responsibility: Al Carns on the legislation reshaping perceptions

🎖️ 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