Weekly Update - 12th June 2026 |
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This Week the Government has delivered... |
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Big Tech to be held accountable to protect children |
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This week the Government announced that big Tech companies like Apple and Google, have been given three months to activate built in safeguards on smartphones and tablets to detect and block nude images for children. This will prevent predators from exploiting and abusing victims through their devices, as well as stopping children accessing pornography. If companies do not act within three months, the government will bring forward legislation to force them to activate the technology. This will include fines for companies and, as a last resort, the Government is exploring criminal liability for tech bosses who fail to comply. 91% of online child sexual abuse reports recorded in 2024 contained self‑generated content. Children as young as five are being groomed, manipulated and coerced by online predators into creating and sharing explicit images.
Predators then use these images to blackmail children into creating more extreme content and, in the most horrific cases, children have committed suicide on livestream or engaged in self‑harm.
These features are not about surveillance or policing people’s phones - they are about protecting our children from vile predators.
Over‑18s will still be able to view adult content by providing proof of age. There is no data collection, no monitoring and no reporting. The device will simply block harmful content across all apps and services.
This will make Britain the first country in the world where it is impossible for children to take, share or view naked pictures on their devices. Read more here: New plans to stop children taking, sharing or viewing nude images - GOV.UK |
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At London Tech Week, the Prime Minister set out a vision for how Britain can lead the next generation of technological innovation while ensuring the benefits are felt in communities like Birmingham Edgbaston. The focus was on creating good jobs, attracting investment and making sure local people have the skills to succeed in a changing economy. The Prime Minister highlighted the huge opportunities AI and technology can bring, with Britain already one of the world’s leading tech economies. The Government’s aim is to help more innovative businesses start, grow and stay in the UK, creating skilled jobs and supporting economic growth across the country. Technology is also helping improve public services. AI is already supporting faster diagnoses in the NHS, helping reduce delays and improving patient care. As Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, I see first-hand the potential of new technology to help patients get better care more quickly and support NHS staff in their work. Alongside investment and innovation, the Prime Minister made clear that technological progress must work for everyone. That means helping people gain new skills, protecting children online and ensuring communities benefit from the opportunities technology creates. By backing innovation while putting people first, we can build a stronger economy and better public services for the future.
Watch the Prime Minister's full speech above. |
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Modernised law for cohabiting couples |
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The Government has launched a major consultation on reforming family law to better reflect modern relationships and provide greater financial security for millions of people who live together without being married or in a civil partnership. At present, many cohabiting couples have limited legal rights if their relationship breaks down, even where they have shared a home, raised children or become financially dependent on one another. The consultation will consider new protections to help ensure that people are treated more fairly when a relationship ends, including potential rights relating to shared property and financial support.
The proposals will also examine how the law can better protect survivors of domestic abuse, including whether courts should place greater weight on the impact of controlling, coercive and economic abuse when making financial decisions after separation. In addition, the Government is considering changes to inheritance rules so that bereaved cohabiting partners are not left without support if their partner dies without a will. The consultation will also explore making pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements legally binding, providing greater certainty for couples who wish to make clear financial arrangements. The aim is to create a family justice system that reflects modern society, protects vulnerable people and gives families greater security during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Read more here: Millions of unmarried couples to get stronger rights - GOV.UK |
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High Street rental auctions |
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High streets are at the heart of our communities, but too many have been affected by vacant and boarded-up properties. Empty units can reduce footfall, discourage investment and make local centres feel less welcoming.
The Government is giving councils new powers through High Street Rental Auctions to help tackle this problem. Where a commercial property has been left vacant for more than a year and landlords have not taken reasonable steps to rent it out, councils will be able to step in and auction a lease to a new tenant at market rates. This week, Communities Secretary Steve Reed has announced a £10 million expansion to High Streets Rental Auctions (HSRA) to ensure more councils across England can take on the eyesores plaguing Britain’s streets.
Local authorities in England already have the power to auction off leases for commercial properties which have stood empty, allowing for at least 100 properties to be filled by new tenants in a boost for local businesses and the high street.
This expansion builds on the £5.8 billion Pride in Place programme which is backing local people to drive regeneration in almost 380 areas. The funding will bring hundreds more properties back into use, directly supporting refurbishment of the worst affected units and galvanising more councils to start using the powers to revitalise their high streets. This builds on the success of our early adopter programme, with over 40 local authorities already using the powers, and over £1m allocated in grants, resulting in at least 60 long term vacant units reoccupied and measurable reductions in vacancy rates in several areas.
Read more here: High Street Rental Auctions: Non-statutory guidance - GOV.UK |
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Construction industry placements |
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Tens of thousands of placements will be created for aspiring construction workers, as part of the Government's £96 million boost to train new talent and build more homes.
Funding is set to be allocated to colleges across the UK to provide hands-on learning and boost employability for learners who start their construction courses from this September.
The Government is taking action to bring vocational education on par with academic. It has published a plan to support schools and colleges to transition to a clearer system of V Levels, T Levels and A Levels from 2027 as options after GCSEs, along with two new qualifications for lower attaining students to support them to progress beyond GCSEs.
New subjects have been announced to address skills shortages and boost key industries such as housebuilding. These subjects include construction design, bricklaying and plumbing. Together, these plans are central to the Prime Minister’s ambition to ensure two thirds of young people are in a gold standard apprenticeship, higher training or university by the age of 25, boosting priority sectors including housebuilding, and driving economic growth as part of national renewal. Read more here: Industry placements for level 2 and 3 construction qualifications: guidance for providers and employers in non-devolved areas - GOV.UK |
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School attendance remains one of the biggest challenges facing education since the pandemic. While attendance rates have improved, they have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. New analysis from the Department for Education shows that seemingly small absences — such as taking extra days around weekends, birthdays, appointments or other events — can add up to millions of lost school days nationally. Every day in school matters. Good attendance is linked to better educational outcomes, improved wellbeing and stronger future employment prospects. The Government has set a target to increase attendance to over 94% by 2028/29, equivalent to children attending 20 million more days of school each year. By working together with schools, parents and pupils, we can help ensure every child has the opportunity to achieve and thrive. To reduce absences across schools, the Government is releasing an updated toolkit for schools, including a new chapter on how to improve attendance on occasional days of absence, using data pulled from the research report publication, and case studies of real school practice. A online data tool is also being rolled out which gives every school in England for the first time an at-a-glance view of their own data – highlighting attendance highs, absence hotspots and patterns over time – so they can see how national patterns play out locally, act on them using the toolkit, and time communications with parents for greatest impact.
Read more here: School attendance: annual and one-off events driving short-term absences - GOV.UK |
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Record number of Mental Health support in schools |
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Nearly 6 million children and young people can now access mental health support in their school or college, with Mental Health Support Teams working in almost 11,800 schools and colleges across England.
That means more children in Birmingham Edgbaston can get help earlier, before problems reach crisis point, improving wellbeing, attendance and achievement. Alongside recruiting 8,500 additional mental health workers, this Government is delivering on its commitment to transform mental health services and give every child the best start in life. Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/record-numbers-of-children-with-mental-health-support-in-schools |
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Public ownership of rail services |
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This week, I voted for the next step in the Government’s plan to create a simpler, more unified railway - one that delivers reliable, safe, and better-value journeys for passengers.
Following the move to bring our local operator, West Midlands Trains, into public ownership, the new Railways Bill will go further by establishing Great British Railways (GBR), a publicly owned organisation. GBR will bring together 17 separate bodies, helping to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication across the rail network. As part of the Bill, a new Great British Railways app and website will make it easier for passengers to plan and pay for their journeys. Travellers will be able to book tickets directly without incurring booking fees, and will also benefit from the expansion of Pay As You Go trials across the country. Read more here: British government outlines key milestones in journey to GBR - International Railway Journal |
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This Government is taking action to protect young people from meningococcal B (MenB) disease. Eligible Year 13 students and under 25s starting university or residential further education for first time this autumn will be offered 2 vaccine doses ahead of the new academic year.
Read more here: Thousands of young people to be offered two-dose MenB vaccine - GOV.UK |
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Health questions in Parliament |
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Tough new crackdown on fly-tipping and waste criminals |
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LBC interview - AI rollout in NHS |
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On Thursday, I spoke with LBC News about the Government's announcement that almost £30 million to expand AI across the NHS. AI-powered X-ray technology has helped over 4 million patients receive a faster lung cancer diagnosis or all-clear. We’re now rolling out this proven technology across the NHS. Listen to my interview above. |
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Major reforms to the youth justice system |
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New reforms are being introduced aimed at preventing young people from becoming trapped in cycles of crime and keeping communities safer.
The reforms come as figures show that around eight in ten prolific offenders first committed an offence as a child, highlighting the importance of identifying problems early and intervening before criminal behaviour becomes entrenched. The Government’s Youth Justice White Paper sets out a new approach focused on prevention, early intervention and tackling the root causes of offending. Read more here: PREET GILL MP BACKS MAJOR REFORMS TO STOP YOUNG PEOPLE FALLING INTO CRIME |
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Visit to Royal Surrey Hospital |
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On Thursday I visited Royal Surrey Hospital to see innovation making a real difference for patients. From improving care to helping staff spend more time with patients, technology is already transforming how the NHS works. Our 10 Year Health Plan will shift the NHS from analogue to digital. Read more here: 10 Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future - GOV.UK |
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Innovation catalyst - unlocking high potential |
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This government is investing through NIHR to get the best innovations into the NHS faster. My ambition is to see the UK’s life sciences sector grow and deliver more of the cutting‑edge technologies that will save and improve lives. “The Innovation Catalyst will support high‑potential innovations to move from development into real‑world use helping patients benefit sooner while strengthening our health and care system. “I encourage organisations with innovations that can make a real difference to come forward and apply.” To find out more and apply, visit: https://nihr.ac.uk/funding-programmes/innovation-catalyst |
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This week, I was delighted to speak at the National Pharmacy Association's Women in Pharmacy Reception in Parliament. Congratulations to Sukhi Basra on becoming the first woman elected Vice-Chair of the NPA in its 104-year history. Women are leading pharmacies, driving innovation, and supporting patients. |
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New Banking hub in Harborne |
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After years of campaigning to keep bank provisions in Harborne, I am pleased I have secured this significant win for our High Street. When banks started closing their doors on our High Street, residents told me loud and clear that they were worried about losing access to essential banking services. I was determined that Harborne would not simply be abandoned as bank after bank disappeared from our High Street. The opening of this Banking Hub is the result of my sustained campaigning with local residents.
Read more here: https://www.preetkaurgill.co.uk/post/preet-gill-mp-secures-harborne-banking-hub-after-years-of-fighting-bank-closures |
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Pride in Place drop-in attended by over 80 residents |
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Last week I held our Pride in Place meet and greet alongside our chair Pete West, at the Bartley Green Social Club, attended by over 50 local residents.
We will shortly be sending dates of our next roundtable and how to get involved. |
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Have your say on Pride in Place funding for Woodgate and Bartley Green |
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Calling on Woodgate and Bartley Green residents - I want to hear how you think the £20 million Pride in Place investment should be spent. After years of campaigning I've secured £20 million for Woodgate and Bartley Green as part of the Pride in Place programme. Woodgate and Bartley Green have long faced challenges with limited opportunities for young people, and closure of community facilities. This investment aims to reverse years of underfunding, and rebuilding pride in local neighbourhoods. I'm asking residents to share their thoughts on how the money should be used. It could be for more youth services, a community hub, improved outdoor spaces or more support for skills and employment. All ideas are welcome and will inform the plans for how the funding will be spent with the goal to benefit as many residents as possible.
Please complete the survey here. |
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University of Birmingham receives Government funding |
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University of Birmingham has been selected for the Ministry of Defence's investment for the Strategic Priorities Grant funding. It is one of the 24 colleges and universities select amongst 112 applications, that will share the funding to defence-focused higher education courses, including undergraduate degrees and Level 4 to 6 apprenticeships, helping more highly skilled graduates enter the sector. The £80 million package includes £50 million over the next five years to create around 2,400 additional student places, plus £30 million for new teaching facilities and cutting-edge equipment to support further growth. Read more here: 24 universities and colleges awarded investment to boost student places and strengthen UK defence industry - GOV.UK |
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Bonuses for nursery teachers in Birmingham Edgbaston |
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This Government has launched £4,500 bonus to attract graduate teachers to Birmingham Edgbaston nurseries. Birmingham Edgbaston is one of ten areas where £4,500 bonus goes live for nursery teachers –expanding to 30 this year: Supports local nurseries to recruit teachers and unlock childcare worth up to £8,000 for families Targets communities where children are least likely to be school ready or lacking teachers
Read more here: Nursery teacher bonus in disadvantaged areas opens - BBC News |
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Outstanding citizens Awards 2026 - nominations open |
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The West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner has launched his search for West Midlands’ unsung heroes as Outstanding Citizens Awards 2026 nominations open. The five nomination categories for 2026 are: • Outstanding Citizen • Outstanding Young Citizen (aged 18 or younger) • Outstanding Community Group • Outstanding Contribution to Supporting Victims of Crime • Outstanding Campaign Nominations will close at 11.59pm on Friday, July 3. The awards evening will take place on Monday, September 28. To nominate someone, please visit: Outstanding Citizens' Awards 2026 - Nomination Form |
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Harborne Academy teacher for Parliament Ambassador Programme |
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Congratulations to Kevin Keelan from Harborne Academy who has been accepted on to the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme.
It’s wonderful to see schools in the constituency developing the leaders of tomorrow. |
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Dementia Cafe - Birmingham Settlement |
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Birmingham Age UK run monthly Dementia cafes for those living with Dementia or anyone worried about their memory as well as their family and carers. When: 11am - 13:20om on the third Thursday of every month Where: Bimringham Settlement, 79 Selwyn Road, Birmingham B16 0SL The next one will be on Thursday 18th June - for more information email: [email protected] |
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This month I held my advice surgeries across the constituency, I want to thank everyone who came to speak with me and for raising issues that matter to them. My next surgeries will be held in July.
In the meantime if you have any issues, please reach out on 0121 392 8426 or email [email protected] For more information about my advice surgeries visit: Advice Surgeries | Preet Kaur Gill |
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Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations |
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Police drop-in sessions across all wards |
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West Midlands Police hold regular drop-ins and PACT meetings providing residents with the opportunity to speak directly with officers about concerns relating to crime in the community. Please see below a list of the drop-in sessions coming up in my constituency. Bartley Green Bike register event 10:30AM - 11:30AM, Sun 28 June 2026 Woodgate Valley Car Park, Bartley Green Cuppa with a Coppa 10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 08 July 2026 St Francis Centre, Glen Side, Bartley Green, Birmingham. Edgbaston PACT Meeting 6:00PM - 8:00PM, Wed 24 June 2026 to be confirmed Harborne PACT Meeting 7:00PM - 9:00PM, Wed 17 June 2026 St. Peter’s Church. Old Church Road Harborne B17 0BB Quinton Pact Meeting 6:00PM - 8:00PM, Tue 30 June 2026 Quinborne Community Centre, 80 Ridgacre Rd, Quinton, Birmingham
Drop in Surgery 10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 14 July 2026 Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW
Drop in Surgery 10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 11 August 2026 Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands Police. |
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Here's ten things the Government did last week you may have missed:
🍽️ This Government has delivered 10 million free breakfasts through our primary school breakfast club programme, helping more than 300,000 children start the school day ready to learn
🦷 This Government is tackling the NHS dentistry crisis, with funding for more training places and every NHS England region set to have a dental school for the first time 🩺 The Government is introducing England’s first targeted prostate cancer screening programme, helping detect cancer earlier and improve outcomes for those most at risk 💼 The Government is giving small businesses a helping hand, with £4 million to strengthen debt advice services and support an additional 16,000 firms and sole traders 👨👩👧 The Government is launching major reforms to give over 3.5 million unmarried couples stronger financial rights, including better protections for domestic abuse survivors and bereaved partners 🎢 The Government is backing one of the largest ever investments in UK tourism, with Universal United Kingdom Resort set to create 28,000 jobs and generate nearly £50 billion for the economy 🏗️ The Government is unlocking one of England’s largest brownfield sites in Cambridge, to deliver over 10,000 homes and millions of square feet of new commercial space 🏘️ The Government is backing mayors to get Britain building, using the biggest devolution drive in a generation to unblock homes, infrastructure and jobs 🛍️ The Government is expanding High Street Rental Auctions with £10 million to help councils bring boarded-up shops back into use and revive local high streets 🌿 The Government is protecting local nature and heritage, the latest National Nature Reserve in the King’s Series This week I have helped on over 250 constituents with casework. 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, |
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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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