This week, Keir Starmer unveiled Labour’s plan for a new Border Security Command to tackle the Tory small boats crisis at source.
In Dover, the seat belonging to Natalie Elphicke, who this week defected from the Conservatives to Labour over Rishi Sunak’s failure to secure our borders, Starmer announced a raft of new measures to end the “talk tough, do nothing culture” on small boats.
For too long, the Tories have failed to protect Britain’s borders. Over 8,500 people crossed the Channel in small boats this year and over 52,000 are still stuck in the Tory asylum backlog living in taxpayer funded asylum accommodation and hotels.
That’s why Labour will launch a new Border Security Command and strong new counter-terror powers and hundreds of new specialist enforcement officers and investigators to smash criminal smuggling gangs cross-border and at source.
In addition to drawing together existing resources and assets a Labour Government will direct £75million of the allocated year 1 costs of the Tories’ Rwanda gimmick to fund the new measures.
Labour will stop the chaos, bust the backlogs, and rebuild our broken asylum system.
Read about our plan in more detail here:
Politics Midlands
This week, Labour did outstandingly in the local elections. In our region, we retained our Police and Crime Commissioner and spectacularly voted in a Labour Mayor – Richard Parker. I spoke about the results on BBC Politics Midlands.
These phenomenal results show that people want change and are confident that a changed Labour Party led by Keir Starmer can deliver it.
But we're not going to take anything for granted. We'll continue to work hard to ensure we earn people's trust.
It was magical to be with Richard and Keir to celebrate Labour's victory. Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped to make this happen.
House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee
This week, I was questioned in the House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee.
Every child should be able to get a healthy start in life. That’s why Labour will implement a 9pm watershed for junk food advertising on television and ban paid-for advertising of less healthy foods on online media aimed at children.
We will get kids moving by introducing a mandatory national curriculum that is balanced and broad, and makes a wide range of physical activities compulsory for all schools.
And we will launch a free breakfast club in every primary school so every child is able to start the day with a healthy breakfast.
Tobacco and Vapes Bill Evidence Session
This week, I questioned more witnesses in the ongoing Tobacco and Vapes Bill evidence session.
Smoking is not a free choice – it is an addiction. Most smokers want to quit but are unable to due to the addictive nature of tobacco.
Labour is committed to delivering a smokefree future.
Transport in the West Midlands Debate
This week, I spoke in a Westminster Hall Debate about our bus network in the West Midlands. Buses are indispensable for connecting people to jobs, opportunities, education, public services and friends and family. Yet, in the West Midlands, the total length of our bus routes has dropped by over 30% since 2010.
Everyone should have access to a bus route that takes them where they want to go.
That's why our new Labour Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker will bring the bus network into public control, allowing us to design routes that people need.
Local News
Energy Research Building and Energy Centre
Birmingham City Council has approved the construction of a New Energy Research Building and Energy Centre at the University of Birmingham. This is part of a £50 million investment by the University.
This is brilliant news for the constituency.
Birmingham Libraries
I will be doing all that I can in my capacity as an MP to ensure we have a library service that delivers for our communities.
The Council’s consultation on the future of our libraries is open. Have your say by following the link below.
Children's Trust
Birmingham Children’s Trust is inviting children, young people, parents and carers to comment on mental health services in Birmingham and Solihull.
Complete the survey here:
MHWC
Next Friday, 17th May, the Mobile Household Waste Centre will be visiting Arosa Drive, B15 0SE, in Harborne. The centre will be open from 7:30am to 1:00pm, so please do come along if you have bulky household waste to dispose of!
Campaigning
If you would like to support me campaigning and join me doorknocking, please contact: officeofpreetgill@gmail.com.
Best wishes,
Preet Kaur Gill MP
Birmingham Edgbaston covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne and Quinton
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