Dear John

Policing

This week, our Labour government has announced major policing reforms, with neighbourhood policing at the heart. We will introduce a Government performance unit to drive force-level improvements and end the postcode lottery on law and order. We will also bring in a new national policing body and invest half a billion pounds of additional funding in policing next year. Read more here. 

We are also introducing new powers to clamp down on anti-social behaviour. Our tough new Respect Orders will root out anti-social behaviour by making sure people face the consequences of their actions. Read more here. 

Transport

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has announced that £100 million will be provided to transport authorities across the West Midlands to deliver better buses. For years, I’ve been campaigning for the extension of bus routes and more reliable services in my constituency in the face of cuts under the Conservatives. Thanks to this, I managed to extend the X21 bus in Bartley Green, improving connectivity in the area, and I am currently working with residents on re-routing the 48 bus. 

A reliable transport network is critical to people’s lives. Every day buses transport our constituents to work; to healthcare appointments; young people to school and college; moving people across our cities, boosting local economies; linking friend with friend and family to family. This new Government has a plan to deliver better buses across the country, and this funding boost is another crucial stop on that journey. Read more here. 

It’s also great news that Our Rail Public Ownership Bill has been passed by Parliament. This landmark Bill is the first major step towards publicly owned Great British Railways, which will put passengers first and drive up standards. Read more here. 

Children’s Social Care

As an ex-children's services manager, I welcome Labour embarking on the biggest reform to children’s social care in a generation. Our care system has suffered from years of drift and neglect, and vulnerable children have been paying the price. 

Our Labour government will provide more support for families, crack down on profiteering in the children’s social care industry, introduce stronger regulation for better placements for children and spread opportunity to every child. Read more here. 

Leasehold

Not a week goes by where a constituent hasn’t written to me about punitive ground rents and charges, or issues with their managing agent. Our Labour government has made clear that we will deliver on our manifesto commitment to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end. Read more here. 

Warm Homes Plan

We are introducing a new Warm Homes Plan to deliver cheaper energy bills and cleaner heat to homes. This will lift one million households out of fuel poverty, and up to 300,000 homes will benefit from upgrades delivering cheaper, cleaner energy. Read more here. 

Dirty Money

Our Labour government is cracking down on dirty money in the UK. We have already sanctioned three notorious kleptocrats who have siphoned wealth from their home countries, as well as their friends, families and fixers who helped them.  

Corruption harms societies, undermines security, and lines the pockets of criminals in the UK and across the globe. That’s why this government is committed to working with partners at home and abroad to prevent these criminal practices and pursue those who benefit from the flow of dirty money. Find out more here. 

G20

This week, the Prime Minister met world leaders at the G20 Summit in Brazil. The PM used this visit to strengthen ties with the world’s leading economic powers to drive growth and deliver for the British people at home. 

Ukraine

1,000 days since Putin launched his illegal invasion, we have reaffirmed our commitment to Ukraine by expanding military support and funding to provide new drone capabilities. Find out more here. 

John Prescott

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of John Prescott, an icon in the Labour movement. So much of John’s work set the path for those of us fortunate enough to follow. From leading climate negotiations, to fighting regional inequality, his legacy will live on well beyond his lifetime. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. 

Combat Food Waste  

It was great to attend the Parliamentary Reception to Combat Food Waste hosted by Too Good to Go. More than a third of all food produced is wasted, contributing 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. We must work together to cut food waste and protect our planet. 

NHS England

It was really interesting to discuss virtual wards in Parliament this week with NHS England and hear more about the different ways that we can harness technology to modernise our health service.

Breakfast Clubs

I'm so proud of St Patrick & St Edmund's Catholic Primary School in my constituency, who won an award for their brilliant free breakfast club. Our Government is committed to rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary school to break down the barriers to opportunity. 

Islamophobia Awareness Month

November is Islamophobia Awareness Month. This year, the theme is ‘Seeds of Change’ with the goal of emphasising how small actions can lead to big change. We have a collective responsibility to end hate. 

Parliament Week

This week is UK #ParliamentWeek. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about Parliament, what it does and how you can get involved. This is also a great time to reflect on the history of women's suffrage and the first women getting the right to vote in 1918. 

Sainsbury's

At the Sainsbury's Parliamentary drop-in, it was lovely to sign a giant Christmas card dedicated to all the Sainsbury's workers in my constituency at this busy time.
 

Also good to hear about the ways in which Sainsbury's is helping to tackle food insecurity this winter.

UoB Celebratory Dinner 

It was fantastic to attend the celebratory dinner for the formal installation of Sandie Okoro as the new Chancellor of the University of Birmingham. A distinguished lawyer and equal rights champion, she is the first woman to hold this role and I am delighted to be working with her alongside Vice Chancellor Adam Tickell. 

Life Sciences 

It was brilliant to meet with Birmingham leaders to discuss our life sciences sector. The new Birmingham Health Innovation Campus will establish our region as the sector’s leading light in Life Sciences research and development.  

Assisted Dying  

After much reflection, I have decided that I will vote against the Assisted Dying Bill. This decision is informed by both my personal beliefs and concerns about the potential consequences of such a law. Read my full letter here. 

Sikh Remembrance 

It was a real honour to lay a wreath in Remembrance for the 84,000 Sikh soldiers who lost their lives for our freedoms and our country. It was wonderful to join my local congregation from Guru Nanak Gurdwara as 20% of the British Indian army were Sikhs. Sikh history is British history. 

Birmingham Pub Bombings

50 years on from the horrific attacks of 21 November 1974 on the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town pubs, my thoughts are with all of those affected. The Government and I share the deepest sympathy with the victims’ families and all those affected.  
 

Many families are still awaiting justice. Last year, I, along with Birmingham MPs, called for a Section 1 Inquiry into the Birmingham Pub Bombings. 
 

I have been speaking to the Security Minister who is giving serious consideration to an inquiry and the Home Office will provide an update soon. 

Local News

Coffee Morning

Over the weekend, I held my first constituency coffee morning in Quinton.  

It was wonderful to chat to residents about a variety of issues that affect them. I will be hosting more coffee mornings across all wards, so please do look out for an event coming up near you. 

Speeding

For years, I've been campaigning for measures to tackle dangerous driving in Birmingham and campaigning for more averaging cameras on dangerous roads. It's vital that people feel safe using our roads. I’m glad to see that West Midlands Police and our Mayor Richard Parker have pledged to review more speed camera footage in a bid to ensure speeding drivers are punished. This is an important first step. Read more here.  

Speed Limit Consultation 
 

I'd encourage my constituents to take part in the council's consultation over the planned reduction of 40mph speed limits to 30mph. Bringing down the speed limit is one way to reduce road harms and make our roads safer for all. Have your say here. 

MHWC

This Monday, 25th November, the MHWC is visiting Ravenshurst Road, Harborne, B17 9DP. The centre will be open between 7:30 am and 1pm, so please do come along if you have bulky household waste to dispose of.

Best wishes,

Preet Kaur Gill MP

Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton

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