This week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer set out how he plans to fix the foundations of our country.
The riots that took place this month have exposed the state of our country. Our society is creaking, weakened by a decade of division and decline and infected by a spiral of populism. That’s what Labour inherited from the last government, and it’s why we must do things differently.
To rebuild our country, we must be honest with people about the choices we face and how tough this will be. Some things will get worse before they get better, but tough action needs to be taken to fix the country at its foundations.
Labour is committed to putting politics back in the service of working people. We won’t lose sight of what we have been elected to do, and most importantly, we won’t lose sight of the people that we were elected to do it for.
“This is our country. Let’s fix it – together" - Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
You can watch Keir's full speech here:
M5 Trees
This week, I spoke to ITV Central about the ongoing ombudsman investigation into Highways England’s decision to cut down over 100 trees along the M5 in Quinton.
It's a scandal that Highways England cut down around 100 trees in Quinton when only a handful needed to be felled. Residents have told me that they cannot sleep or open their windows due to the disruption caused by the motorway. It is shocking and reckless that Highways took this decision without consulting residents and has failed to communicate with them throughout this process.
On Thursday, I met with the Parliamentary ombudsman to discuss their findings and feed into their investigation. I’m really glad that the ombudsman is looking into this case and look forward to reading the report and recommendations once published.
Read the ITV write up for more info below:
Afghan Women
This week, I spoke to Times Radio about the plight of women and girls, foreign aid and role of the international community in Afghanistan.
This month, the Taliban passed an abhorrent set of so-called “vice and virtue laws”. Under new restrictions, women are required to cover their bodies and faces fully with thick clothing in public, are not allowed to let their voices be heard in public, even from within their own homes, including by singing or reading aloud, and are forbidden from looking directly at men who are not direct members of their family.
This is another tragic setback for women and girls in Afghanistan. The international community must continue to stand up for Afghan women and ensure that aid is reaching those who need it the most.
Local News
Bartley Green Incident
I was shocked and deeply concerned to hear that there was a shooting on Wednesday night on Clapgate Lane. Police reports state two people were seriously injured.
This will likely be distressing news. Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their communities.
The police have opened an investigation and are carrying out CCTV enquiries and appealing to anyone who was in the area at around 5pm on the 28th August to get in touch.
You can contact the West Midlands Police using their Live Chat service via their website or by calling 101 quoting log 3404 of 28 August.
Dudley Road Incident
I was also deeply distressed to hear that there was a stabbing on Dudley Road over the bank holiday weekend. The victim is stable.
The police are still enquiring and anyone with information should get in touch via Live Chat on their website or by calling 101 quoting log 265.
City Road Lights
It's vital our children can make their way to school safely. That's why I'm glad to have worked with the council to fix the warning lights outside City Road Primary School in North Edgbaston.
If you notice any further issues or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to listen and take action on the matters that are most important to you.
Neighbour Night
On Wednesday 4th September 6pm to 8pm there is a neighbours night at Memorial Hall, Summerfield Crescent B16 0EZ. Bring your food contributions to share; coffee and tea are provided.
Childcare
From September, parents with a child from age 9-months-old will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare support. Applications are now open. Find out more by following the link below.
MHWC
Next Wednesday, 4th September, the MHWC will be visiting Clapgate Lane shopping centre, B32 3DH. 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!
Advice surgeries
There have been some updates to my advice surgeries. Please consult the new list below.
Best wishes,
Preet Kaur Gill MP
Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton
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