Dear John

As we move into the first full week of August, I hope you're managing to enjoy some summer break time with family and friends. While Parliament remains in recess, the work of government continues - and this week has brought significant developments both nationally and here in Birmingham that I'm pleased to share with you.

Breaking the Business Model: Our Plan to Stop Criminal Gangs

This week brought a major breakthrough in our mission to restore order to Britain's borders. The groundbreaking UK-France treaty came into force, creating our innovative 'one-in, one-out' pilot scheme. For the first time, anyone entering illegally on small boats can be detained immediately and returned to France, with detentions already beginning. In return, an equal number will be eligible for a new legal route, provided they haven't attempted illegal crossings and pass stringent security checks.

Alongside the treaty, we're targeting the gangs' digital operations. New amendments to our Border Security Bill will criminalise social media content promoting illegal crossings - crucial since 80% of small boat arrivals used social media to find smugglers. These criminals brazenly advertise £12,000 'package deals' selling false promises of safe journeys. The new offences carry up to 5 years imprisonment, whilst the National Crime Agency has already removed 22,000 posts promoting organised immigration crime.

This comprehensive approach - combining immediate returns, criminal prosecutions for digital promotion, and legal routes for genuine cases - represents the strategy Britain needs. We've already returned 35,000 people with no right to be here this year (28% increase) whilst raids against illegal working increased by 50%. After months of serious diplomacy, we're delivering results no previous government achieved.

Read more about the treaty here, and the changes to the Border Security Bill here.

Investing in Our Young People's Futures

This week brought fantastic news for young people across Birmingham and Edgbaston as the Prime Minister announced an £88 million package to transform youth opportunities nationwide. After decades of decline in youth services - with funding cut by over 70% under the Conservatives - we're finally giving young people the real-world opportunities they deserve. The comprehensive package includes £22.5 million for enrichment activities in 400 schools, £30.5 million for youth club infrastructure improvements, and £19 million for over a million additional hours of youth work in areas with high anti-social behaviour.

Here in Birmingham, youth organisations have an immediate opportunity to benefit through the Better Youth Spaces programme, which offers capital grants of £5,000-£100,000 for small-scale improvements like new gym equipment, climbing walls, and facility refurbishments. Birmingham is designated as one of just 42 priority areas across England, meaning our local youth groups, community centres, uniformed organisations, and registered charities working with young people aged 11-18 can apply for this vital funding. You can find out more and apply here. Don't delay - applications for refurbishment projects close at midnight on Sunday 31st August, with all other applications closing on Monday 21st September. The fund could close even earlier if heavily oversubscribed. My office stands ready to offer advice to anyone thinking of applying.

Families Save £1,000 Per Year on Mortgages Under Labour

Excellent news for homeowners across the country - families are saving an average of £1,000 per year on their mortgages thanks to falling interest rates since Labour came to power. Here in Birmingham, families are benefiting too with annual savings of £720, reflecting our area's lower average house prices compared to the national picture. 

Since July 2024, the average two-year fixed mortgage rate has fallen from 5.37% to 4.52%, following the restoration of economic stability after 14 tumultuous Conservative years. This is a direct result of Labour's focus on fixing the economic foundations and restoring confidence after the chaos of Liz Truss's mini-Budget, which sent mortgage rates soaring to nearly 7%. 

For families in our constituency who've been under real financial pressure, these savings make a genuine difference to household budgets - and with yesterday's further rate cut, that relief will continue to grow. You can read more about what these mortgage savings mean for Birmingham families in my blog here.

Cracking Down on Unsafe Cosmetic Procedures

The government has announced tough new measures to protect people from unregulated cosmetic treatments, and I strongly welcome this long-overdue action. For too long, individuals with little or no medical training have been performing invasive procedures in unsafe settings - homes, hotels, and pop-up clinics - leaving people scarred, traumatised, and requiring urgent NHS care to fix botched treatments. 

Under the new rules, high-risk procedures like non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts will only be legal if performed by qualified healthcare professionals in Care Quality Commission-registered settings, whilst lower-risk treatments like Botox and fillers will be brought under stricter local authority licensing with mandatory standards for training, hygiene, and insurance. The crackdown also includes new age restrictions to protect young people from being targeted by dangerous beauty trends promoted on social media - addressing concerns constituents have raised with me about the pressure facing teenagers and young adults. 

This isn't about stopping people from accessing treatments; it's about ensuring they can do so safely with qualified practitioners rather than risking their health and wellbeing with rogue operators who exploit people at the expense of their safety. Find out more here.

Local News

Working with Police to Keep Our Streets Safe

I had another productive monthly meeting with our local police inspector Paul Hatton this week, raising the concerns residents have brought to me about community safety. Our discussions covered the issues affecting neighbourhoods across Edgbaston: anti-social behaviour hotspots, illegal vape shops, unsafe exempt accommodation, car crime, and street racing. 

These regular meetings ensure your voices are heard directly by those responsible for keeping our communities safe, and I'll continue working closely with West Midlands Police to push for action on the problems that matter most to you. If you're experiencing any of these issues or have other community safety concerns, please don't hesitate to contact my office - your experiences help me make the case for resources and action where they're needed most.

Fighting for the Kenrick Centre's Future

Following my campaign to save the Kenrick Centre from closure, I was pleased to meet with Birmingham City Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and the Director of Adult Social Care this week to discuss future plans for this vital facility. 

The centre, which supports adults with various needs, was previously threatened with closure as part of the council's budget cuts - prompting me to write to the council in January demanding they reconsider. The proposals we discussed will now go to Cabinet for consideration, representing real progress in our fight to protect this essential service. 

I will continue to stand up for the residents, families, and dedicated staff who depend on the Kenrick Centre, ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.

Rotton Park Road Potholes - Action Secured

After months of residents contacting me about the dangerous potholes along Rotton Park Road between Dudley Road and City Road, and having gone to the area myself to assess the situation, I'm delighted to confirm that Birmingham City Council has agreed to carry out full repairs along this stretch. Following my visit to see the damage for myself and persistent pressure on the council, we've secured the action that residents, businesses, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians desperately needed. 

I'll continue monitoring the situation and will keep you updated on the repair schedule as soon as I have more details from the council. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - your reports helped build the case for action, and I encourage you to keep getting in touch if you spot further issues once the work is completed.

Meeting with Harborne Library Campaigners

I had a productive meeting this week with Kate and Rob from the Harborne Library Hub Group to discuss the ongoing impact of reduced opening hours at Harborne Library and how we can work together to secure its future.

Our local library serves as far more than just a place for books - it's a vital community hub providing a warm, welcoming space that supports families, older residents, students, and people from all walks of life across our area. The reduction in opening hours has been deeply felt by many residents who rely on these services.

I'm committed to continuing my work with local campaigners, residents, and Birmingham City Council to push for fairer access to library services and develop a sustainable long-term plan that truly meets the needs of our community. Libraries are essential infrastructure for any thriving neighbourhood, and Harborne deserves nothing less.

Progress on Wadhurst Road Area Traffic Safety

Following my recent visit to meet with local residents about speeding concerns on Wadhurst Road, Bernard Road, and Ridgeway, I'm pleased to report that Birmingham City Council has developed proposals to address these safety issues. The council is proposing a 20mph speed limit zone across these roads, along with speed cushions to encourage drivers to reduce their speed in this residential area. Birmingham City Council will be conducting a formal consultation on these proposed measures, and affected residents will receive detailed information about how to submit their views.

I'm pleased to update residents on progress following the traffic concerns that have been raised with me regarding Curdale Road. After liaising closely with Birmingham City Council, proposals have been developed to tackle the speeding and dangerous driving affecting this area. The council is proposing to make Curdale Road one-way to reduce traffic conflicts, alongside changing the parking arrangement from parallel to herringbone parking to better manage road space and improve safety. Birmingham City Council will be conducting a formal consultation on these proposed measures, and residents will receive detailed information about how to submit their views.

Addressing Safety Concerns on Woodhouse Road

Following residents' concerns about speeding on Woodhouse Road - particularly given the serious safety implications for children attending Woodhouse Primary Academy - I've been working with Birmingham City Council to find solutions. The council recognises that drivers using Woodhouse Road as a cut-through to avoid the West Boulevard roundabout have created dangerous conditions for families and children. Proposed measures include introducing a 20mph speed limit zone and installing speed cushions to create a safer environment. Birmingham City Council will be conducting a formal consultation on these proposed measures, giving residents the opportunity to submit their views.

Mobile Bulky Waste Truck

This weekend, residents may wish to use the closest truck in Edgbaston.

📅 Sunday 10th August

⏰️ 9.30am-2.30pm

📍Cannon Hill Car Park Coach Area, Edgbaston (B12 9QA)

Surgeries

As a reminder, my regular constituency surgeries are taking a break during August, but my team and I remain available for urgent matters. Surgeries will resume in September with our usual schedule:

Friday 5th September

• 10:30-11:30am: St. Germain's Church, City Road, B17 9LE

• 3:30-4:30pm: City Road Primary School (City Road Entrance), B16 0HL

• 5:15-6:30pm: Quinborne Centre, Ridgeacre Road, B32 2TW

• 7:00-8:00pm: Lordswood Girls School, Knightlow Road, B17 8QB

Thursday 11th September

• 10:30-11:30am: Edgbaston Community Centre, 40 Woodview Drive, B15 2HU

• 12:00-1:00pm: Newman University, Genners Lane, B32 3NT

As always, if you have an issue you'd like to discuss, please contact my office at 0121 392 8426 or [email protected], or through my website.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the summer break. Parliament returns in September, and I look forward to updating you on the progress we're making as we work to deliver the change this country voted for.

With warm regards,

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