Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update -11 September 2026
This week the Government has delivered...
Against the Assisted dying bill
On Friday, Parliament voted on 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. Questions remain around safeguarding, coercion, mental capacity and access to high-quality end-of-life care. At a time when many people are struggling to access the care and support they need, it is right that MPs take the time to consider whether the proposed safeguards are robust enough before making such a significant change to the law.
I spoke to ITV Central, watch above.
Read more here: 'MPs would be right to vote against the assisted dying bill in light of the unfolding care crisis' - LabourList
Last year, I spoke about the Assisted Dying Bill, expressing my opposition to the legislation and highlighting the concern that inadequate palliative care can leave people feeling they have little choice at the end of their lives.
Watch my full 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.
There has been progress, marking an important start in efforts to tackle online child sexual exploitation and abuse. However, the Government has been clear that the voluntary commitments secured 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. Given the complexity of the issue, the Government will take the time needed to ensure the legislation is properly designed and technically effective. However, it will be introduced as soon as possible.
I welcome the Government's plans, as a former Children's Services Manager I know how important it is to provide safe protection for our young people, as technology advances we need to ensure we are giving every child the support they need.
Read more here: UK to have world's strongest online child safety laws as government prepares legislation on nude images - GOV.UK
Foreign Secretary statement on West Bank
This week, the Foreign Secretary announced a package of measures relating to
Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The Government has reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution, supporting the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security and self-determination.
As part of the announcement, the Government confirmed that it will introduce a ban on trade in goods originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. It also plans to take further action against individuals and organisations that support, facilitate or profit from settlement activity.
I asked a question to the Foreign Secretary about concerns of antisemitism in the Commons on Tuesday.
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 could 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.
UK at the forefront of innovation - New Statesman article
This week, I wrote in the New Statesman about Healthcare innovation in the NHS, and our need for Britain to increase its adoption of healthcare innovation. We have the skills and resources for great innovation in our healthcare system, but we have an issue with adoption. By putting more time and energy into innovation, we can cut patient waiting times, improve the standard of care and truly change lives. Our challenge is no longer whether we can invent the future. It is whether we have the confidence to build it here.
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 3,000 jobs in the next two years. I was devastated to hear the news and raised in Parliament how a manufacturer 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
Local News
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.
Read more here: Birmingham Edgbaston MP opens first Banking Hub in Birmingham
Opposing the sale of Halescroft Centre
The Halescroft Centre has served our community for many years. I am opposing its sale and supporting SEND Social Birmingham CIC’s proposal to turn it into a community hub for Bartley Green and surrounding areas. I asked Birmingham City Council to suspend the sale.
Read my letter above.
The story was also reported by Birmingham Live: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/last-ditch-battle-save-former-34593056
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 before November.
I will continue to speak with council officers, and urge them to act on the dispute and allow our waste services to return to normal pre-industrial action.
Opposing the installation of poles at Fugelmere Close, Hazeley Close and Hartford CloseK
After residents have raised concerns about installation of poles and overhead infrastructure at Fugelmere Close, Hazeley Close and Hartford Close, Birmingham (B17) I have written to Openreach with concerns about the impact the poles would have on the community.
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 of installing the poles in the community.
Read my letter above.
Kelloggs Breakfast club
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.
UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme 25-27 January 2027
Applications for the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme in January 2027 are 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/
Surgeries in September
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: Preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk
Community wins
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 issues in their home, including screws coming loose and mould in the bathroom. I contacted the Council, which spoke with the property owner and secured a full deposit refund for the tenant.
In Quinton
A constituent contacted me after not receiving the Carers Allowance they were entitled to. I raised the matter with the Department for Work and Pensions, which arranged for the allowance to be paid and secured a back payment of £1,719 for the constituent.
If you have any issues you would like to raise with me please get in touch.
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.
Bartley Green | ||
Date | Location | Time |
31 October 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 8:00am to midday |
Harborne | ||
Date | Location | Time |
14 October 2026 | Grove Park, Harborne Park Road, B17 0BJ | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
North Edgbaston | ||
Date | Location | Time |
25 October 2026 | George Dixon Academy, Portland Road, B16 9GD | 8:00am to midday |
Quinton | ||
Date | Location | Time |
3 October 2026 | Quinton Park car park, Highfield Lane, B32 1QX | 8:00am to midday |
Ladywood (Close to North Edgbaston) | ||
Date | Location | Time |
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
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.
Here’s some things from last week you may have missed:
🇬🇧Back in Parliament
⬇️Small Boat crossings fall to six-year low
💼Crackdown on rogue businesses
🗳️Stronger voting rights
🚫Ending rough sleeping by Christmas
Read last week's newsletter here: https://www.preetkaurgill.co.uk/post/preet-kaur-gill-mp-my-weekly-update-4-september-2026
As always, if you have an issue you'd like to discuss, please contact my office at 0121 392 8426 or preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk, or through my website.
With warm regards,
Preet Kaur Gill MP
Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton
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