Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 13 February 2026
- 6 hours ago
- 9 min read
This Week the Government Announced...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026
To mark National Apprenticeship Week the Government has announced improvements to apprenticeships to ensure more young people have a quicker route into high-quality jobs.
The Government has announced it is creating a new accelerated approach to get apprenticeships updated and short courses developed more quickly for sectors critical to delivering major infrastructure and investment project. This means the time it takes to make these changes will be reduced from up to 18 months down to just 3 months – making the system more agile and responsive to what employers need.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, I visited Costa apprentices to hear directly about opportunities for both current and new employees, underlining the importance of strong local employer engagement alongside national reforms.
The latest reforms come as the government ramps up support for young people to take up apprenticeships, including a recent major £725 million investment to pivot the system towards the workforce of the future.
The Government has also announced it is piloting an online system for Apprenticeship applicants to have information available all together, meaning if applicants miss their top choice apprenticeship they are re-directed to similar opportunities in their area. The platform will include new data showing actual earnings and how apprentices have progressed after completing their training, helping young people compare options and understand which apprenticeships lead to lasting careers.
Read more here: Preet Kaur Gill MP welcomes major skills boost from new ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms
10-year plan to revitalise schools and colleges for every child
The Government has announced in its a new 10-year plan, that it will invest in school building improvements so every child and young person has access to high-quality classrooms that are fit for purpose and resilient to climate change.
Additionally, the plan sets out proposals to make schools more inclusive, outlining the Government’s intention to establish an inclusion base for secondary schools with a dedicated, safe space separate from busy classrooms.
More support for children caught with knives
This week, the Government announced plans to require police to make mandatory referrals to Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) for all children caught in possession of a knife. YOTs will work with young people to try and help them stay away from crime, and will co-operate with police, probation, schools and charities to deliver their work. They will be used to understand the root cause of why the young person is carrying a knife and strategies to help them not re-offend. To support this the Youth Justice services will receive a £320 million boost in an effort to help more young people.
Read more here: Every child caught with a knife to get tailored support - GOV.UK
Employment Rights Act - Consultation Open
The Government’s Employment Rights Act, introduced earlier this year, has brought workers’ rights into the 21st century. Through this Act, the Government is introducing a number of changes to make employment rights clearer and fairer for everyone.
To inform the proposal, the Government is running a consultation to ensure the new process meets the needs of both employers and employees.
The Government is asking people to share their thoughts on the rollout of the new measures, including:
Banning Fire and Rehire, consultation available here - Make Work Pay: fire and rehire – changes to expenses, benefits, and shift patterns GOV.UK closing on 1st April 2026.
Code of Practice on trade union recognition and unfair practices in electronic balloting - consultation available here: Make Work Pay: recognition code of practice and e-balloting unfair practices - GOV.UK closing on 1st April 2026.
Improved access to flexible working, consultation available here: Make Work Pay: improving access to flexible working - GOV.UK closing on 30th April 2026.
Improved laws on tipping, consultation available here: Make Work Pay: strengthening the law on tipping - GOV.UK closing on 1st of April 2026.
Modernising the Agency Work Regulatory Framework - Consultation available here: Make Work Pay: modernising the Agency Work Regulatory Framework - GOV.UK closing on 1st May 2026.
Non-Disclosure Agreements - consultation to be launched soon.
I encourage all constituents to feed into the consultations to ensure the policies reflect what working people need.
Local News
PMQs – Pride in Place Woodgate, Bartley Green
On Wednesday, I spoke during Prime Minister’s questions about how valued the Pride in Place funding is for Woodgate, Bartley Green and how for so long decisions were made for the constituents not with them.
I asked the Prime Minister, what’s his message to my constituents about how politics can be a force for good and that he will never walk away from my community and the country we love?
Watch my full question above.
Have your say on Pride in Place funding for Woodgate 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'm 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.
Pride in Place – Chair of Board now open
Applications are now open for the Chair of the Community Board for Pride in Place Woodgate Bartley Green. I am seeking an Independent Chair (voluntary) to establish and lead the new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Woodgate.
This place‑based initiative focuses on strengthening communities and creating a thriving neighbourhood, with funding decisions shaped by the community itself.
I encourage you to apply or share this opportunity with someone who may be interested, to help ensure we find the best person to lead our board.
Applications are open until 24th February, you can apply here: Pride in Place Chair - Woodgate - BCC Careers Careers
Schools commended by Education Secretary
12 schools in Edgbaston have been identified as amongst best in country for supporting achievement of disadvantaged pupils. Each schools received a letter from Education Secretary, Bridget Philipson to congratulate them on their hard work and encourage them to share their best practice to set up every child in Birmingham Edgbaston to achieve and thrive.
The schools commended include:
· Barford Primary School, North Edgbaston
· City Road Primary School, North Edgbaston
· St Paul's School for Girls, North Edgbaston
· Chad Vale Primary School, Harborne
· St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Harborne
· King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls, Harborne
· Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School, Harborne
· Lordswood Boys' School, Harborne
· Hillcrest School and Sixth Form Centre, Bartley Green
· St Peter's Catholic Primary School, Bartley Green
· Lift Four Dwellings Primary, Quinton
· Woodhouse Primary Academy, Quinton
Well done to all the schools and keep up the excellent work!
Read more here: Preet Kaur Gill MP congratulates local schools for recognition from Education Secretary
Exempt Accommodation - Westminster Hall Debate
Exempt accommodation is a persistent issue in parts of my constituency. When supported accommodation works it changes lives, however in Birmingham the system is abused and broken.
I have been campaigning for years to improve Exempt accommodation in the constituency, this week I raised the issue in Westminster Hall about how important it is we see reform in this system, see above.
Interview with Times Radio
I spoke with Times Radio on Tuesday about the Birmingham bin strike and Keir Starmer’s leadership.
As a local MP, I’ve met with striking bin workers, the council, and the commissioners, and I’ve raised the issue in Westminster Hall. My priority is standing up for Birmingham residents, and that means working together to bring these strikes to an end.
When it comes to Starmer’s leadership, my constituents want the Prime Minister to succeed and deliver on the mandate they gave him in 2024.
Listen to my full interview above.
Breakfast Club visit – St Patricks & St Edmunds Catholic School
It was a pleasure to meet with staff and pupils at St Patrick’s and St Edmunds on Thursday to join them for their breakfast club.
The school offers breakfast club, funded by the Government's free breakfast club rollout, to ensure all children have a healthy start to their day. As well as some time to play with friends, from painting to football – breakfast club was very fun!
Birmingham Lights Festival
This week marks the beginning of Birmingham Lights Festival, taking place from 12-15 February it showcases performances and events throughout the city. With a range of different activities and events, including at Edgbaston Village and the Botanical Gardens, it is set to be an exciting festival. All events run from 6-10pm every night, for more information visit: https://www.birminghamlightfestival.co.uk
Jobs Fairs in Birmingham
The Bridge have organised several Jobs Fairs coming up in the next few months in Birmingham.
The three jobs fairs are taking place this year at St Andrews Stadium on 17th April, 7th August and 6th November.
To sign up visit their website: The Bridge - Connecting People | Job Fairs across the UK
NHS Urgent Care and GP Out of House Review
NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board are holding a public consultation on two options to potentially change urgent treatment centres (UTCs) and GP out of hours services across Birmingham and Solihull.
The consultation will run from 5 February until 16 April 2026. If you'd like to feedback on the changes you can share your thoughts here.
Job opportunities in West Midlands
Applications are open for two influential roles in the West Midlands and Arts Council England, if this is of interest to you or someone you know please do share with them.
Role: Chair of the West Midlands Growth Company - an influential role seeking an outstanding individual who will work closely with the Mayor, Local Authorities, WMGC Board and executive leadership of the Growth Company to champion the West Midlands. Role description can be found here, closing 18th February.
Role: Chair of the Arts Council England - an influential role seeking a leader with a track record of advocacy for the cultural sector at a senior level. The full role description can be found here, closing 2nd March.
Early Years Screentime Roundtable – Friday 27th February
The Government is engaging with families and guardians of young children to understand what should be included in the new guidance that is set to release this year. I’m hosting a Roundtable at Edgbaston Family Hub on Friday 27th February from 9:30-10:30am, to meet with anyone who would like to contribute to the discussion.
If you'd like to join, please come along or contact preetkaurgillmp@parliament.uk for more information.
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city.
Here are the next dates in the constituency:
Bartley Green | ||
28 February 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 8:00am to midday |
10 March 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
Quinton | ||
17 February 2026 | Quinton Park car park, Highfield Lane, B32 1QX | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
11 March 2026 | Quinton Park car park, Highfield Lane, B32 1QX | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
New WhatsApp channel
I’m excited to share I’ve launched a new WhatsApp channel to share updates on my work in Parliament and in the Constituency.
If you’d like to subscribe you can do so here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7R7tsHbFV5Ja8iBF1z
Here’s seven things the Government delivered in England last week:
🏘️Pride in Place is expanding to 40 more neighbourhoods, giving local people control over how up to £800 million is invested to revive high streets and protect community spaces
🥣From April, 500 more schools will have Best Start free breakfast clubs targeting support at 300,000 children who need it most
👶 MPs have voted to scrap the two-child limit, putting the country on course for the biggest reduction in child poverty in a single Parliament
🩺Through the National Cancer Plan, the Government has committed to ensuring three in four people diagnosed with cancer from 2035 onwards are cancer-free or living well after five years
🫶A new £10 million fund will cover travel costs for families whose child has cancer, so no one misses out on care because of income or postcode
🏘️ 10,000 vulnerable children will get into loving foster homes with a new £88 million programme reversing the decline in carers and giving more children the stability they deserve
🌊£6.5 million is being invested to protect Britain’s canals, repairing historic waterways, boosting resilience to extreme weather and supporting millions of visitors
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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