This week, Labour launched its first six steps for change – our doorstep offer to the British people. Our first steps are fully costed, fully funded and ready to go.
We will:
Deliver economic stability with tough spending rules, so we can grow our economy and keep taxes, inflation and mortgages as low as possible.
Cut NHS waiting times with 40,000 more appointments each week, during evenings and weekends, paid for by cracking down on tax avoidance and non-dom loopholes.
Launch a new Border Security Command with hundreds of new specialist investigators and use counter-terror powers to smash the criminal boat gangs.
Set up Great British Energy a publicly-owned clean power company, to cut bills for good and boost energy security, paid for by a windfall tax on oil and gas giants.
Crack down on antisocial behaviour with more neighbourhood police paid for by ending wasteful contracts, tough new penalties for offenders, and a new network of youth hubs.
Recruit 6,500 new teachers in key subjects to prepare children for life, work and the future, paid for by ending tax breaks for private schools.
After 14 years of Conservatives, it’s clear that people are worse off and ready for a decade of national renewal with Labour. Decline is not inevitable – politics can make a difference.
With these first steps, we can rebuild our country. Vote Labour.
Crime in Edgbaston
This week, I held an adjournment debate about crime in the constituency – a matter of serious concern to my constituents.
I shared some of the real stories behind the figures, because debates about crime are not abstract.
In my speech, I covered car crime in Harborne and Edgbaston, dangerous driving in Quinton and Bartley Green, off-road bikes in Bartley Green, the serious threat posed by knife crime and gun crime, as well as raising concerns around the decimation of neighbourhood policing across all wards.
You can read my full speech here:
More in the Birmingham Mail:
And BBC West Midlands:
Tobacco and Vapes Bill Line by Line Session
This week, I participated in a line by line examination of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
We went through every clause of the bill line by line as part of the committee stage.
We will build on the success of the last Labour government with a roadmap to a smoke-free Britain and come down hard on those marketing and selling vapes to children.
British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show
This week, I was thrilled to meet dentists and speak at the UK’s largest dentistry conference, held in Birmingham.
The theme of the session was ‘NHS dentistry in election year’. In my speech, I laid out Labour’s plan to rescue NHS dentistry from its immediate crisis and let dentists know “the cavalry is coming” to deliver wider reform to the outdated dental contract.
Across the country 8 in 10 dental practices are not taking on new NHS patients, and in some areas, 99% of practices have shut their doors. Many people have also resorted to pulling their teeth out with pliers after being unable to access a dentist's appointment, with 1 in 10 people having attempted so-called DIY dentistry. Tooth decay is also the number 1 reason young children end up in hospital.
Labour’s rescue plan will fund 700,000 extra urgent appointments each and every year, introduce a targeted recruitment scheme to encourage hundreds of new dentists to left behind areas with a £20,000 incentive, and introduce a supervised toothbrushing scheme in schools.
We have committed to reforming the outdated dental contract to shift the focus to prevention, retain NHS dentists and ensure NHS dentistry is there for all who need it.
The Mirror
This week, it was great to catch up with The Mirror and play Operation on their new Party Games YouTube series.
I got to speak about my father, my political journey, my life before Parliament and pass on a message to young girls like me.
Scrivens Opticians and Hearing Care Meeting
This week, it was great to meet with Scrivens Opticians and the NCHA to discuss primary care and the current challenges people with hearing loss experience across the country.
Mental Health Awareness Week
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme is “Movement: moving for our mental health.”
Tackling the mounting crisis in mental health will be a priority for the next Labour government. We will guarantee mental health treatment for all who need it and recruit 8,500 new mental health staff.
Local News
Clapgate Lane Incident
This week, a boy was tragically hit by a car during rush hour on Clapgate Lane in Bartley Green.
Road safety is an area of serious concern. I've been campaigning for more speed calming measures and my campaign for more average speed cameras is still live.
Edgbaston Water Treatment Works
On 25th May, works will start near to 276 Hagley Road to make essential improvements to Edgbaston Water’s equipment.
If you have any questions about this work, call 07766 510302.
MHWC
Next Wednesday, 22nd May, the Mobile Household Waste Centre will be visiting Farquhar Road East, B15 3RD. The centre will be open between 07:30 and 13:00 so please 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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