Weekly Update - 11 September 2026 |
|
|
This week in Parliament I have... |
|
|
Voted against the Assisted dying bill |
|
|
On Friday, Parliament voted on the Assisted Dying bill, I voted against the bill. I believe the risk of passing such a bill is too great. Having worked in social care and safeguarding before entering Parliament, I know how important it is that vulnerable people are properly protected. I understand why people facing suffering want greater control at the end of their lives. This is personal, and those supporting change act from compassion. But compassion must never blind us to risk. That is why I will vote against the Assisted Dying Bill. The British Association of Social Workers warns the Bill does not require every applicant to undergo a safeguarding assessment. Without one, hidden coercion, financial abuse or pressure from relatives may be missed including whether someone feels their care needs are costly or exhausting for their family. The Bill includes a social worker on a review panel, but does not require them to meet the applicant, examine their care records or speak to them away from relatives. Training them to recognise abuse is not enough. Only a proper safeguarding assessment can examine someone’s relationships, living conditions and care arrangements and establish whether the decision is their own. Real choice means palliative care, funded social care and support to live with dignity. Until those foundations and safeguards are in place, I cannot support this Bill. The risk of getting it wrong is too great. I spoke to ITV Central, watch above. I wrote for LabourList, sharing my opinion on why I am voting against the bill, and urging other MPs to do the same, read the full article here: 'MPs would be right to vote against the assisted dying bill in light of the unfolding care crisis' - LabourList |
|
|
Today I voted against the Assisted Dying Bill. At Third Reading last year, I spoke as a former safeguarding manager, with 18 years experience. An irreversible decision demands safeguards we can trust and genuine choices for every person. This Bill provides neither. Watch my speech above. |
|
|
Keeping Children safe online |
|
|
This week, the Government set out plans to introduce new legislation to strengthen protections for children online and tackle the growing threat of sexual exploitation and abuse.
The legislation will make it impossible for anyone under 18 to take, view or send nude images on their devices, with stronger device-level safeguards built into technology to help tackle grooming, exploitation and abuse. The Government has been working with Apple and Google since 8 June to secure world-first commitments to make it impossible for children to send, take or view nude images on their devices. The Government is clear that the voluntary commitments by industry so far do not meet the scale of its ambition. As a result, the Government has announced that it will bring forward legislation to build in device-level protections for children. I welcome the Government's plans, as a former Children's Services Manager, safeguarding children online will always be a priority for me.
Read more here: UK to have world's strongest online child safety laws as government prepares legislation on nude images - GOV.UK
|
|
|
Protecting the two-state solution |
|
|
The Foreign Secretary has announced a new package of measures in response to the worsening situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. This action is being taken now because the prospect of a two-state solution is being rapidly undermined. In August, tenders were issued for more than 1,200 homes in the E1 area. Building there would separate East Jerusalem from the West Bank and make a viable Palestinian state far harder to achieve. Settler violence has also reached record levels, while the humanitarian suffering in Gaza continues. The measures target illegal settlements and the conduct of the Israeli Government not Israel or the Israeli people. The Government will continue to support trade with Israel within its internationally recognised borders and has made clear its opposition to the wider Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign. In the Commons, I welcomed action against extremist settler violence and made clear my opposition to the E1 settlement plan. I also raised the fears of Jewish constituents as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur approach: “British Jews are facing an elevated threat, so what steps has the Government taken to ensure that these measures do not contribute to further antisemitism or undermine the security and confidence of Jewish communities in Birmingham Edgbaston and across the UK?” We must be unequivocal: holding British Jews responsible for the actions of the Israeli Government is antisemitism. We can defend international law and the rights of Palestinians while standing firmly against antisemitism and protecting Jewish communities here at home. Read the Foreign Secretary's full statement here: Foreign Secretary Oral Statement on Israel-Palestine - GOV.UK |
|
|
Major retail drive to create 100,000 jobs for young people |
|
|
Young people across the UK will be able to benefit from a major new partnership between the Government and Britain's leading retailers, designed to give thousands of young people the experience they need to take their first step into work. The new programme will offer more than 11,000 two-to-four-week work experience placements to 18-24-year-olds who are not in employment, education or training. It has been developed by the Department for Work and Pensions and the British Retail Consortium (BRC), with retailers including Tesco, John Lewis, Waitrose, Currys and Costa Coffee. Participants will receive 16 to 35 hours of hands-on experience each week, dedicated workplace support and interview experience. Placements will be voluntary, with eligible young people continuing to receive Universal Credit and receiving help with travel costs where needed.
Where a permanent role is available, a participant could be offered a job. Otherwise, they may be placed on the retailer's talent bank or connected to an apprenticeship or another opportunity.
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/retailers-target-100000-jobs-for-young-people-as-sector-joins-forces-with-government-in-major-work-experience-drive |
|
|
Building the future of healthcare here in Birmingham |
|
|
During my time as Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, I saw that Britain does not have an innovation problem, we have an adoption problem. Our scientists develop world leading treatments and technologies, but too often the resulting investment, manufacturing and jobs go elsewhere, while NHS patients wait too long to benefit. This matters particularly in Birmingham Edgbaston. The University of Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham and the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus give our area the foundations to become a major centre for life sciences. That can mean earlier access to better treatments for patients, as well as skilled jobs and new opportunities for people from laboratory science and engineering to digital technology, construction and manufacturing. In my new statesman article, I argue that Britain must invest for the long term, help British companies grow here and make the NHS the world’s fastest adopter of proven innovation. If taxpayers support breakthroughs, the public should share in the long term value they create. We have the science, institutions and talent. The challenge now is to turn those strengths into better healthcare, economic growth and good jobs here in Birmingham and across Britain. Read my full article here: How Burnham's Britain can gain the edge in life sciences - New Statesman |
|
|
JLR Statement in Parliament |
|
|
This week the Government made a statement on the announcement by Jaguar Land Rover that the company will be cutting 4,000 jobs in the next two years. I was devastated to hear the news and raised in Parliament how a manufacturing supplier to JLR in Birmingham Edgbaston has already lost over 150 jobs. I asked the Minister what access to finance will the Government provide to help West Midlands firms diversify and access new markets and protect skilled jobs? Read the Government's full response here: https://commonsbusiness.parliament.uk/Document/107564/Pdf?subType=Standard |
|
|
Putting working class families at the heart of government |
|
|
The Government is creating the country’s first dedicated Class Unit to tackle the entrenched inequalities that mean a person’s background can still determine their health, education, employment prospects and life expectancy. The new unit will bring this work directly into government. The Social Mobility Commission will mean ministers becoming directly responsible and accountable for delivering change rather than leaving the work to an arm’s-length body. An early priority will be bringing the socio-economic duty into force. This will require public bodies to consider how major decisions on issues such as transport, public services and budgets can improve the lives of people on lower incomes. This matters in Birmingham, where too many families still face deep-rooted inequalities in health, opportunity and access to secure work. Class should not determine whether a child succeeds at school, whether someone can access the services they need or how long they can expect to live. The Class Unit will build on action already taken, including scrapping the two child limit, expanding free school meals, increasing the National Living Wage, strengthening workers’ rights and investing in communities through Pride in Place. The purpose is simple, to break the link between where someone starts in life and where they are able to go. Read more here: Time to end class squeamishness: first government unit to improve life chances for working class - GOV.UK |
|
|
Mayors to decide on overnight visitors levy |
|
|
This week, the Government announed they are giving Mayors and local leaders new powers over levy on overnight stays as part of the devolution drive to give communities the power and money to invest in their local priorities. This brings England in line with destinations across Europe and the rest of the world and will unlock more money for things like local transport services and revamped high streets which help support regional tourism. Both foundation strategic authorities (FSAs) and mayoral strategic authorities (MSAs) will be empowered to raise a levy to support growth in their areas. This approach means that places without a mayor will also be empowered to invest in their regions, making them better places for residents and businesses, as well as for people to visit and enjoy. Read more here: Local leaders handed powers to drive investment in communities - GOV.UK |
|
|
Standing for Chair of Women & Equalities committee |
|
|
I am standing to Chair the Women and Equalities Committee because equality matters most when it changes people’s lives.
I bring experience, independence and determination and will ensure every Member has a voice.
It would be an honour to serve as Chair.
Watch my statement above. |
|
|
More NHS treatment available from local pharmacies |
|
|
From this autumn, participating community pharmacies will be able to provide treatment for five more common conditions without patients needing to see their GP first. The expanded Pharmacy First service will cover migraines, acne, scabies, seasonal allergic rhinitis and certain outer-ear infections. A qualified prescribing pharmacist will assess the patient and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment there and then. The service will initially be available at pharmacies employing a pharmacist with the necessary prescribing qualification. Pharmacy First already provides advice and treatment for seven conditions, including sinusitis, sore throats, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women under 65. Since its launch in February 2024, it has delivered 14 million consultations. Around four in five people live within a 20 minute walk of a community pharmacy. Expanding the service will therefore make it quicker and more convenient for people to receive NHS care close to home, while freeing up GP appointments and reducing avoidable pressure on A&E departments ahead of winter. Once fully established, an estimated two to three million consultations for the five additional conditions could take place in pharmacies each year. This is part of the Government’s wider plan to move more healthcare into local communities, make better use of pharmacists’ clinical expertise and ensure patients receive the right treatment sooner. Read more here: NHS England » Patients to get quicker treatment for migraines, acne and 3 other everyday conditions at pharmacies |
|
|
First Banking hub opened in Birmingham |
|
|
After campaigning to protect access to face-to-face banking in Harborne, it was an honour to open Birmingham’s first Banking Hub on Harborne High Street. The new Hub provides everyday banking services for customers of all major banks, including cash withdrawals and deposits, cheque deposits, bill payments and balance enquiries. Individual banks will also provide face-to-face appointments on dedicated days each week. This is a significant achievement for Harborne and Birmingham. I promised residents I would fight to protect face-to-face banking, and I am delighted that together we have delivered Birmingham’s first Banking Hub for our high street.
I was pleased this story was featured in Birmingham Post in print, read below. |
|
|
Opposing the sale of Halescroft Centre |
|
|
Free fruit and veg at The Orchards |
|
|
I was delighted to hear that The Orchards Primary School has been selected to join Tesco's Free Fruit & Veg for Schools Programme, meaning its pupils will benefit from free fruit and vegetables throughout the academic year. The programme was launched in 2024, with the British Nutrition Foundation. It focused on improving access to fresh fruit and vegetables for children in schools with higher-than-average levels of free school meal eligibility.
Congratulations to The Orchards for joining the programme, and promoting healthy eating in their school.
Read more here: Free Fruit and Veg for Schools |
|
|
Waste dispute - Birmingham City Council |
|
|
In August, I wrote to the Deputy Chief Executive at Birmingham City Council with concerns about the ongoing bin dispute, and the failure of the council to collect recycling and garden waste. I received a reply from the council this week, stating that they were working with the new council administration to find a resolution to the on-going dispute. They also shared that it is unlikely that usual waste and recycling will resume. |
|
|
Opposing the installation of poles at Fugelmere Close, Hazeley Close and Hartford Close |
|
|
After residents raised concerns about installation of poles and overhead infrastructure at Fugelmere Close, Hazeley Close and Hartford Close, Birmingham (B17) I wrote to Openreach.
I was disappointed with Openreach's initial response, as it did not address concerns about the estate's architectural and landscape character. I replied to Openreach, urging them to reconsider their proposals. Read my letter above. |
|
|
Buy before boarding - West Midlands Metro |
|
|
From Sunday 13th September, customers on the West Midlands Metro must purchase tickets before boarding, either via the MyMetro App, Swift card, ticket machine or through a direct debit season ticket. Failure to buying before may result in a £100 penalty fee. For more information visit: Buy Before You Board - West Midlands Metro |
|
|
Applications are now open for Kellogg's Breakfast Club Grants Programme, which provides £1,000 grants to support school breakfast clubs across the UK.
Since 1998, Kellogg's has provided more than £6 million in funding to help schools ensure children start the day well-fed, focused and ready to learn. The programme now supports over 5,500 schools nationwide.
Local primary and secondary schools with an existing breakfast club are encouraged to apply. Grants can be used in a variety of ways, including purchasing equipment, expanding breakfast provision, or introducing new activities that enhance pupils' wellbeing and engagement. As funding is limited, priority will be given to schools where 35% or more of pupils receive Pupil Premium funding.
Read more here: https://forevermanchester.com/fund/kelloggs-breakfast-club-programme/ |
|
|
UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme 25-27 January 2027 |
|
|
Applications for the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme in January 2027 is now open. Teachers from schools and colleges across the UK are eligible to apply for the three-day immersive training programme, with the opportunity to hear from MPs and those working in key roles across UK Parliament. The tools developed will help teachers lay the foundation to gaining Teacher Ambassador status. Deadline to apply is Sunday 1 November. Find out more here: https://learning.parliament.uk/en/session-workshop/uk-parliament-teacher-ambassador-programme/ |
|
|
Thank you to everyone who came to my advice surgeries this month. Surgeries are an opportunity for constituents to meet with me directly to discuss any concerns they have. My surgeries will be on again in October, on Friday 2nd October and Thursday 8th October, please find more details here: Advice Surgeries | Preet Kaur Gill In the meantime, if you have any issues you'd like to raise please contact me: Phone: 0121 392 8426 Email: [email protected] |
|
|
As your local MP I represent our community and am determined to get things done. Constituents regularly contact me with issues that matter to them, and I work hard to raise these concerns with the organisations responsible and push for action. Here are some recent examples of the positive outcomes secured for local people across the constituency this week.
In Harborne A constituent contacted me with concerns about the state of their home, and mould in the bathroom. I contacted the Council's Private Landlord team and secured a full refund of the deposit the tenant had paid. In Quinton A constituent contacted me after not receiving their Carers Allowance they were entitled to. I raised the matter with the Department for Work and Pensions, secured a back payment of £1,719 for my constituent.
If you have any issues you would like to raise with me please get in touch. Phone: 0121 392 8426 Email: [email protected] |
|
|
Have your say on Pride in Place funding for Woodgate and Bartley Green |
|
|
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 am 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. |
|
|
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations |
|
|
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city. The next ones in the constituency are listed below. Bartley Green 31 October 2026 Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS 8:00am to midday Harborne 14 October 2026 Grove Park, Harborne Park Road, B17 0BJ 7:30am to 12:30pm North Edgbaston 25 October 2026 George Dixon Academy, Portland Road, B16 9GD 8:00am to midday Quinton 3 October 2026 Quinton Park car park, Highfield Lane, B32 1QX 8:00am to midday Ladywood (Close to North Edgbaston) 26 September 2026 Osler Street, B16 9EU 8:00am to midday 19 October 2026 Osler Street, B16 9EU 7:30am to 12:30pm To find the next pick-ups near you, please visit: Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations | Mobile Household Waste Centres | Birmingham City Council |
|
|
Police drop-in sessions across all wards |
|
|
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 Cuppa with a Coppa 10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 14 October 2026 St Francis Centre, Glen Side, Bartley Green, Birmingham Edgbaston PSCO walkabout 10:00AM - 2:00PM, Sat 12 September 2026 Artisan Market, Edgbaston Harborne PCSO walkabout 12:00PM - 2:00PM, Sun 20 September 2026 Hagley Road West, Harborne PCSO walkabout 4:00PM - 6:00PM, Fri 25 September 2026 Hagley Road West, Harborne Quinton Drop in Surgery 10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 15 September 2026 Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW Drop in Surgery 10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 13 October 2026 Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW Drop in Surgery 5:00PM - 6:00PM, Tue 10 November 2026 Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands Police.
To receive regular updates about the police in your area, sign up for WM Now updates here.
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
Follow Preet Kaur Gill MP | |
|
|
|
|
