Dear John

I hope you've had a good week. Here's what I've been up to over this past week.

This Week the Government Announced...

Half a million children to be lifted out of poverty

Around 550,000 children will be lifted out of poverty by 2030 – the biggest reduction in a single parliament since records began – as the Government launches its Child Poverty Strategy today (Friday 5 December).

Following the reversal of the two-child limit, the strategy tackles the root causes of poverty by cutting the cost of essentials, boosting family incomes, and improving local services so every child has the best start in life.

Read more from the Prime Minister about the Government's plans here: KEIR STARMER: 'I'm proud we're lifting half a million kids out of poverty - this is our moral mission' - The Mirror

Environment Improvement Plan

This week, the Government published the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025.

The plan prioritises England’s natural environment and sets out actions to create a better future for our nature-rich habitats, waterways, and clean air. It provides a detailed roadmap of the steps we will take to meet these targets, including a long-term strategy for improving the environment and restoring nature. It also introduces new rules to tackle fly-tipping and initiatives to increase recycling in local communities.

This revised EIP commits to more ambitious targets and, unlike previous efforts, outlines the concrete actions required to deliver them. It establishes a clear framework showing how objectives and actions contribute to environmental outcomes, defines who is responsible for delivery, provides plans for meeting the Environment Act targets, and includes a transparent system for monitoring progress.

Read more here:  A greener and more prosperous future with new Environmental  Improvement Plan  - GOV.UK

Fairer justice for Victims of rape

This Government is ensuring fair trials for victims. New justice laws will make courts safer, fairer, and free from harmful rape myths.

Too many rape victims walk away because they feel like they're on trial. This Government is changing the law scrapping the 'serial liar' defence and blocking irrelevant sexual history in court.

It can be difficult for victims to share their heart-breaking stories, often waiting years for justice. These reforms will ensure that victims receive the support they need.

Read more here: Rape victims in England and Wales to be protected from ‘serial liar’ trope in legal shake-up | Rape and sexual assault | The Guardian

VSAR announcement

Government has announced its decision to exempt vehicles used by UK Volunteer-led Search and Rescue (VSAR) organisations from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).

VSAR teams - from Mountain Rescue and Lowland Rescue to Cave Rescue and specialist volunteer groups - are a critical part of the UK’s emergency infrastructure. They work alongside police, ambulance and fire services to save lives in some of the UK’s most remote and hazardous environments, and form a vital component of national resilience planning. This exemption will ensure they can affordably support our emergency services.

Best Start Family hubs - new SEND support

The Government has announced that every Best Start Family Hub will have a qualified Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) professionals and SEND-specific services, giving all families the right support at an early stage.

Early years support is key to giving children the best start in life. Many Edgbaston families are supported at the Doddington Children’s Centre as a one-stop-shop for all parents. It is great to see their services expanded and improved under this Government.

Read more here: Access to early SEND support through Best Start Family Hubs - GOV.UK 

Government launches national conversation on SEND

The Government wants to hear your thoughts on SEND education. Launching a national conversation to engage families and educational professionals. Putting families at the heart of discussions to understand what reforms and policies need to be introduced to improve SEND for all.

To get involve visit the website: Government launches national conversation on SEND - GOV.UK

Co-op backs British business

Co-operative group has announced plans to “Back Britain” with a targeted £1 billion into the UK economy over the next 12 months, designed to back Britain’s consumers, businesses and high streets. The plan reinforces Co-op’s belief that responsible business must play its part in tackling the cost-of-living crisis, whilst also supporting Britain’s future growth ambitions. Co-op is introducing one of its biggest ever number of price reductions, cutting the cost of over 1,000 products.

Read more about the Co-op's plans here: Co-op backs Britain with £1 billion boost following Autumn Budget

Supporting Ukraine

This week, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the Government's support for Ukraine.

With the growing threats and global instability – it is essential we strengthen our response to Russia. The Foreign Secretary announced the UK is increasing military support to its highest-ever level of £4.5 billion, supporting military aid and economic pressure on Russia. The pledge is part of a £100 million humanitarian package announced in Kyiv, underlying the Government's commitment to Ukraine.

Read more here: Foreign Secretary pledges £10m to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund - GOV.UK

Landmark US-UK Pharmaceutical deal

This week the Government secured a deal with the US for pharmaceuticals which will benefit tens of thousands of NHS patients.

The deal – part of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal – sees the UK become the only country in the world to secure a zero percent tariff on pharmaceuticals to the US - protecting UK-based manufacturing and cementing our place as a world leader for life sciences investment.

Find out more about the deal here: Landmark UK-US pharmaceuticals deal to safeguard medicines access and drive vital investment for UK patients and businesses - GOV.UK

UK-Germany Rail Link one step closer

Millions of passengers could benefit from quicker and more convenient travel across Europe as Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn (DB) have confirmed joint plans for a direct high-speed rail connection between Germany and London. 

In a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed this week, both companies announced their intention to explore options to offer a direct service between London and major German cities, such as Cologne and Frankfurt.  

Read more here: Plans for UK-Germany rail link move step closer | LBC

Local News

Proud to be a Care Aware MP

I'm proud to be a care aware MP, as a former Children services' Manager I know first hand the challenges young people face. I'm dedicated to supporting my young constituents in care or who have care experience to represent them in Parliament.

Big win for Baby Formula campaign

It is excellent to hear that the Government has introduced policies to make infant formula more affordable for families.

I’m proud to have campaigned for greater access to infant formula for all families, and I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement that formula will be cheaper through clearer guidance to retailers - helping families use loyalty points and vouchers. This will save families an average of £500 before a child’s first birthday.

This is a huge win for families across the UK.

Read more about my campaign in this article: Something is seriously wrong when security tags appear on baby formula | Metro News

Watch the Prime Minister's announcement in the video above.

Small Business Saturday 

This Saturday is Small Business Saturday, a great chance to celebrate the amazing small businesses that keep our communities thriving. We’ve got 3,575 small and medium-sized businesses right here in Edgbaston, and I’d love to see everyone pop into their local shops tomorrow.

Small businesses are the heart of our communities, they create jobs, support local families, and add uniqueness to our high streets.

Speaking directly to residents - advice surgeries

This week is surgeries week across my Constituency - an opportunity to speak directly with residents and listen to the concerns they have in our community.

To find more about my surgeries visit my website: Advice Surgeries | Preet Kaur Gill

If you missed the last week’s budget, here’s eight things it will deliver: 

💷 Cutting the cost of living with £150 on average off energy bills 

🏥 Cutting NHS waiting lists with 250 new Neighbourhood Health Centres 

💷 Freezing train fares and prescription charges 

🍏 Scrapping the Two Child Limit to lift 450,000 children out of poverty 

🍺 Supporting high streets with permanently lower tax rates for 750,000 retail and hospitality shops 

⚖ Reforming property taxes so a £10m mansion doesn’t pay less than a terraced house in Blackpool 

📚 Supporting the long-term youth unemployed, by offering a guaranteed six-month work placement for 18-21 year olds 

⬇ This government is cutting borrowing every year so interest rates, cut 5 times since the election, can keep falling 

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.

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