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MY WEEKLY UPDATE

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Dear John,

On Wednesday, the UK reported zero daily Covid deaths for the first time
since March 2020. This fantastic news can only be the result of the
herculean effort by the NHS of the vaccine rollout.

In spite of this, we are also starting to see the number of Covid cases
rising, with 75% of these being confirmed as the Indian variant. This
confirms the terrible consequence of the Conservatives’ reckless refusal
to secure our borders against new mutations of the virus. Weeks prior to
the Government taking any action, myself and other Labour colleagues were
calling for both, a proper hotel quarantine system and for India to be put
on the Red List.

It is the Government’s weak, slow decision-making on border policy that
has let this variant in and is putting the easing of further restrictions
in doubt. In Birmingham, the Covid case rate more than doubled from the
week of 23rd May, from the week prior (42.1 cases per 100,000 population,
compared to 24.4 per 100,000). For me, this stresses the need for everyone
to take up the vaccine appointment as soon as it is offered to them. It is
the only way we will see cases stop rising and an end to the social
restrictions that have needed to be put in place.

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VOLUNTEER AND BECOME PART OF THE COMMONWEALTH COLLECTIVE

The Commonwealth Games will soon be coming to Birmingham, but any major
sporting event of this size relies on the fantastic volunteers that power
it. I was thrilled to attend the launch of Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth
Games volunteers' programme. The Games will be a real moment for the city,
but they won’t be able to take place without the 13,000 additional people
that are needed.
We need these volunteers from all walks of life to apply so that the
dedicated volunteers who will be the heartbeat of the Games, represent the
vibrancy and diversity of Birmingham. Whether you’re looking to be a
driver, a kit carrier or courtside assistant, this programme represents a
fantastic chance for everyone to get involved, make new friends and even
learn new skills. It really will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Applications are now open to join the programme - the Commonwealth
Collective.

SIGN UP HERE TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER 

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REVERSING THE AID CUTS FOR EVERYONE'S BENEFIT

This week, I joined with colleagues from across the political divide to put
my name in support of the amendment that would see the aid budget restored
to its 0.7% GNI commitment. When deciding on cuts to the budget, the
Foreign Secretary failed to conduct impact assessments and slashed
everything from aid to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis in Yemen to
programmes tracking new Covid variants.

As we can see from those who have put their names to this amendment, it is
not a party-political issue. It is a moral one. Should the amendment not
pass at the vote on Monday, it will cost thousands of lives.

As the only G7 country to cut aid in the middle of a pandemic, the UK's
credibility as a leader on the greatest global challenges has been
undermined. Ahead of hosting the G7, the Conservative Government should
take this opportunity to stop its retreat from the world stage, do the
right thing and reinstate our commitment to 0.7%.

I spoke with LBC Radio and BBC News this week which you can watch on the
link below.

WATCH HERE

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 RENTERS’ RIGHTS AWARENESS WEEK 

This week the Government lifted the evictions ban, which has been in place
since the very beginning of the pandemic, over one million people fear
losing their homes.

400,000 people around the UK have already been served eviction notices or
have been warned of eviction. This has been a foreseeable issue given the
increasing levels of unemployment from the pandemic. However, a recent
survey showed that only 7% of renters in the private sector are aware of
their rights as a tenant. These statistics are worrying when we consider
that one in eight private rented homes in England are unsafe. Overcrowding
and poor housing conditions are significant safety concerns, which can
affect private renters’ health, safety and wellbeing.

I’m delighted to be supporting the first ever Renters’ Rights Awareness
Week. Taking place from 14-20 June, it has been organised by Generation
Rent, the campaign group working to ensure every home in the private rented
sector is safe, secure and affordable.

Not only will private renters be able to join online webinars free of
charge, but they’ll be able to download factsheets with the latest
renters’ rights information. These factsheets will be available in
English and a variety of different languages.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

© 2020 Printed from an email sent by Preet Kaur Gill. Promoted by A.J Webb
on behalf of Preet Kaur Gill, both at 56 Wentworth Road, B17 9TA.

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