Dear John Parliament broke up for summer recess this week. But even as Westminster winds down, it’s been a week of real progress. From bold national action to clean up our water and protect children online, to major investment in jobs, hospices, and the arts, the Labour Government is already delivering on the change people voted for. Here in Edgbaston, I’ve been out in the community, meeting with residents, local groups and businesses to make sure that change reaches every corner of our constituency. A quick note: there will be no advice surgeries during August, but they’ll resume as normal in September. In the meantime, my office remains open and ready to help with any urgent issues. You can read all the latest updates below. |
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This week, Labour announced the biggest overhaul of the water industry since privatisation.
After years of Conservative failure and spiralling pollution levels, we are abolishing Ofwat and creating a new single regulator for the entire water system. This new body will end the regulatory merry-go-round that has allowed water companies to pollute with impunity while hiking bills for families.
Under Labour, things will be different. These reforms will: Halve pollution levels in Britain’s waterways by 2030 Hold water companies to account for performance and investment Protect customers from unjustified bill increases
You can read more about these foundational changes here. |
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...and cleaning up Westminster |
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This week, Labour launched the new Ethics and Integrity Commission, delivering on our promise to restore standards in public life after years of Tory sleaze. This means: No more golden goodbyes for ministers who break the rules or quit after just weeks in post. New sanctions for ex-ministers who ignore lobbying rules. Greater transparency with a monthly register of gifts and hospitality.
The new Commission replaces a patchwork of weak regulators with a single, powerful body to uphold ethics across government. After 14 years of scandal, we’re drawing a clear line: public office is a privilege, never a perk. Find out more here. |
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Securing Tomorrow's Retirements |
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On Tuesday, the Labour Government launched a new Pensions Commission to tackle the growing crisis in retirement savings, something which especially impacts women, carers, and the lowest paid.
Too many people face the prospect of a retirement that is poorer, riskier, and less secure than the generation before. By 2050, average private pension income is set to fall by 8%, with women nearing retirement currently receiving half the private pension income of men.
The Commission, revived after 20 years, will deliver a long-term plan for a pensions system that is fair, sustainable, and fit for the 21st century.
This is about finishing the job Labour began with auto-enrolment, so that everyone, no matter their background, has the chance to retire with dignity after a life of hard work.
Read about the Commission here.
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Cracking Down on Criminal Gangs |
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This week, Labour took decisive action to tackle the gangs behind dangerous small boat crossings, launching a world-first sanctions regime targeting people-smuggling networks.
These new powers will freeze assets, block travel, and hit those profiting from human misery where it hurts most. It’s part of a broader crackdown that has already seen over 35,000 people with no right to be in the UK removed since Labour took office.
This is a government focused on practical solutions—not gimmicks—to secure our borders and uphold the rule of law. Read more about the sanctions here.
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£6 Billion Trade Deal with India |
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The Government has secured a landmark trade and investment agreement with India, delivering over £6 billion in new investment and export wins and supporting thousands of British jobs.
This deal is especially significant for the West Midlands, where strong historic ties with India and a world-class manufacturing base mean real opportunities for businesses and workers alike—particularly in advanced engineering, life sciences and digital tech.
It’s another sign of how Labour is rebuilding Britain’s standing in the world and bringing investment home to communities like ours.
Find out more about the deal here.
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Hospice Funding Announced |
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Earlier this year, I raised serious safeguarding concerns about the Assisted Dying Bill. For choice to be meaningful, there must be real, high-quality options available to everyone.
That’s why this week’s announcement is so important. Labour is delivering £75 million to upgrade hospice facilities across the country, including nearly £2 million for Birmingham’s own hospices like Acorns and Birmingham Hospice.
This funding will help ensure that families facing the hardest times are treated with dignity, compassion and proper support, regardless of postcode or income.
This week I wrote a blog post about what this means for us locally, which you can read here. You can find the government announcement here.
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This week, the Labour Government secured a new agreement with major record labels to boost earnings for UK artists, helping make sure that the people who create the music we love are properly rewarded for their work.
This is great news for Birmingham, a city with music in its bones. From Bhangra to Black Sabbath, we’ve shaped global sounds, and we know how vital it is to support the next generation of talent.
Whether it’s grime, jazz, classical or indie, this move helps ensure a fairer deal for those making culture happen.
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A Safer Internet for our Children |
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From 25th July, the way children experience the internet will fundamentally change. Labour’s new Protection of Children Codes, a strengthening of the Online Safety Act, are now in force, setting clear legal standards to shield under-18s from the worst content online.
This means harmful material like pornography, suicide promotion, violent stunts and online bullying must be removed from children’s feeds. Tech companies are now legally responsible for protecting young users, and will face consequences if they fail.
Our lives are no longer split between online and offline, and neither is the harm. This is a bold step to reclaim the digital world for the next generation, making it safer, healthier, and more humane.
We wouldn’t let our children walk into danger in the real world. We’re not going to stand by while they face it online.
Read more about the changes here.
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In response to the increasingly desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Prime Minister has today issued the following statement: “The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible. While the situation has been grave for some time, it has reached new depths and continues to worsen. We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe. The Israeli government needs to change course and let aid in safely as a matter of urgency.
“I will hold an emergency call with E3 partners tomorrow, where we will discuss what we can do urgently to stop the killing and get people the food they desperately need while pulling together all the steps necessary to build a lasting peace. We all agree on the pressing need to get more aid going into Gaza without delay.
“We strongly support the efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt to negotiate an immediate ceasefire and release of the hostages and call on both sides to accept the deal now. “It is hard to see a hopeful future in such dark times. But I must reiterate my call for all sides to engage in good faith, and at pace, to bring about an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. We strongly support the efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt to secure this. “We are clear that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.” |
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A Bold Plan for the West Midlands Economy |
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This week, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker set out a bold new Growth Plan to transform the region’s economy and put more money into people’s pockets—an extra £8,600 per household over the next decade.
The plan focuses on creating 100,000 good jobs, improving public transport, building affordable homes, and supporting the everyday workers who keep our communities going: from carers to teachers, shop workers to bus drivers.
For Birmingham and the wider region, this means:
✅ £2.4 billion in transport improvements, including new tram lines like the East Birmingham extension
✅ 120,000 new homes, including more social and affordable housing ✅ A renewed focus on clean tech, advanced engineering, digital, and life sciences—bringing skilled, secure jobs to our area ✅ Support for local entrepreneurs and small businesses ✅ A global investment summit to attract new funding and partnerships
With our six world-class universities, a young and diverse population, and a proud legacy of innovation, the West Midlands is ready to lead the next era of national growth, building a fairer, greener, more prosperous future. For every town, every high street, and every household.
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Cancer Research Shop Visit |
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This week I visited the wonderful volunteers at the Cancer Research UK shop on Harborne High Street. It was inspiring to see their dedication first-hand and hear about their vital fundraising work to support cancer research and awareness. Volunteers like these make a huge difference in our community. Thank you for all that you do! |
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On Thursday I met with Birmingham City Council and concerned residents at the Westfield/Nursery Road junction, an area with a worrying history of speeding and crashes. We discussed proposals to address this.
I’m grateful to constituents for sharing their experiences. Road safety is a priority for me.
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Last night, I hosted a public meeting on the proposed bus priority changes being brought forward as part of the wider Dudley Road Improvement Scheme.
We were joined by representatives from Travel West Midlands and Birmingham City Council, alongside 25 local residents and business owners, who shared their thoughts, concerns and suggestions about the plans.
Participants broke into small groups to workshop key issues, ranging from parking and accessibility to traffic flow and business impact. It was a constructive, solutions-focused discussion, and I want to thank everyone who took part.
Local knowledge is essential to getting schemes like this right. I’ll be following up on the issues raised and continuing to press for changes that reflect the needs of the community.
Thank you to everyone who came along! It’s only through listening and engaging that we build better, fairer infrastructure for all. |
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It was great to meet with James from Wavensmere Homes on Friday, to discuss their upcoming proposals for the former Clarendon Suites site, which would see 165 new houses and apartments built in our community.
We had a constructive conversation about the Government’s priorities on building more high-quality, sustainable homes, and the importance of meaningful engagement with local residents - it's brilliant to see them doing both.
Wavensmere intend to submit their planning application in the coming weeks, and I’ll continue to listen to local views and ensure communities are part of the conversation.
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In between the headlines, Labour have been up to much more this week, including:
🌍 Signed a first of its kind agreement with Germany to deliver security, growth, and jobs for working people. This includes decisive action to go after criminal smuggling gangs
🚢 Our pilot with France means that migrants arriving via small boat will be detained and returned to France for the first time
🧸 New, world-leading £500m Better Futures Fund will give hundreds of thousands of children, young people, and their families the support they need to help them reach their full potential
👷 Electric arc furnace construction commences at Tata Steel as part of Labour’s Modern Industrial Strategy
💷 Chancellor’s Leeds Reforms will rewire the financial system to boost investment, create the skilled jobs this country needs, and put more pounds in your pockets
🏡 10,000 more first-time buyers to get homes every year with Labour
✔️ By the next General Election, 16 and 17 year olds will have the right to vote - ensuring young people’s voices are heard
❤️🩹 Funded landmark measures to protect victims of domestic abuse
⚡ We’re making it cheaper and easier to own an Electric Vehicle with kerbside charging, new chargepoints for NHS and businesses, and up to £3,750 off the cost of an electric car
⚽ Launched ‘The Activators’, a new animated fitness series co-created by Joe Wicks to boost physical and mental wellbeing and give every child a healthy start in life |
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That's all for this week! As always, if there's an issue you'd like to raise or a story you'd like to share, do get in touch. Best wishes, |
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Preet Kaur Gill MP Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton Promoted by David Evans on behalf of the Labour Party, 20 Rushworth Street, London SE1 0SS |
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