Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 13th March 2026
- Mar 12
- 11 min read
Updated: Mar 16
This Week the Government Announced...
Middle East situation impact
UK Armed Forces have been working around the clock over the past 10 days to defend our interests in the Middle East. The government’s first priority is to protect British nationals, British interests and our partners.
Since January, the Government has been strengthening our defensive presence in Cyprus and the Gulf, sending additional radar systems, counter-drone systems, Typhoons, F-35 jets, and ground-based air defence.
The attacks by Iran and its proxies are indiscriminate and dangerous. This Government has now approved the request from the US to use our bases – for a specific, defensive and limited purpose – so they can destroy Iran’s missiles at source.
This crisis underlined that this Government has the right priorities for Britain.
⚖️ Restored the economic stability needed to weather global storms - strengthening our public finances.
☀️ Investing in clean energy security - so bill payers are less exposed to shocks in fossil fuel markets.
🪖 And are investing in our national security - with the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War after years of our Armed Forces being neglected under the previous Government.
Read more here: Iran, the Middle East and UK energy: factsheet - GOV.UK
Tech companies must protect women and girls from online abuse
This week, Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology convened a roundtable with major platforms including Snapchat, Meta, YouTube and TikTok to press them to go further and faster in protecting women and girls online.
The warning follows a series of robust interventions the government has taken to meet its commitment to halve violence against women and girls within the next decade. Over the past 6 months alone, the government has made intimate image abuse, cyberflashing and choking priority offences under the Online Safety Act – treating this material with the same seriousness as child abuse or terrorism and placing legal duties on platforms to stop this content before it reaches users.
In January, the Prime Minister called out Grok for the despicable, illegal sexualised images of women and girls that were being spread on its site, and the government then acted within days to fast-track legislation to ban the creation of non‑consensual intimate deepfakes.
And new legal requirements introduced by the government mean tech firms must now remove intimate images shared without consent within 48 hours of being flagged, shifting the burden from victims to platforms. This month, an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill also created a new offence criminalising so‑called “nudification apps”, AI tools that generate synthetic sexualised images of women and girls.
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tech-companies-must-go-above-and-beyond-to-protect-women-and-girls-from-online-abuse-or-face-further-action
Question to treasury - Community ownership
Putting local people in control of local assets is common sense. Pride in Place in Woodgate, Bartley Green gives my constituents the chance to rebuild our community thanks to our Govt.
I asked the Treasury how this funding will help local people take ownership of community assets.
Justice system reforms
This week I voted to reform our justice system. The courts and tribunals Bill introduces a series of measures that aim to reduce the Crown Court open caseload, streamline the allocation process to ensure that cases are dealt with in the appropriate jurisdiction, and to reserve jury trials for the most serious cases.
Read more here: Courts and Tribunals Bill: factsheet - GOV.UK
New V levels announced
Young people will be able to take the very first V Levels in education, finance, and digital in 2027, under landmark reforms to help young people secure well-paid jobs.
Too many young people have been held back by a system that didn’t value every route to success. That’s why the government has introduced V Levels, which offer transformational new qualifications – equivalent to an A level – with learning designed around real jobs and the skills employers actually need.
They are central to the Prime Minister’s ambition to ensure two‑thirds of young people are in a gold‑standard apprenticeship, higher training or university by the age of 25, helping to close skills gaps, cut the number of young people not in education, employment or training, and drive economic growth as part of our national renewal.
Students who want to specialise in technical, sector-focused studies will also have more options, as T Levels – which combine study and real‑world work experience – will be expanded to include subjects such as Sports, Fitness and Exercise Science, along with Care Services.
Read more here: First V Levels subjects revealed as part of landmark reforms - GOV.UK
Protecting What Matters
Secretary of State Steve Reed announced the government’s new cohesion action plan, Protecting What Matters, outlining a comprehensive approach to building stronger, more cohesive communities across the country.
Read more about the plan here: Coverage of cohesion action plan – MHCLG in the Media
Digital ID - consultation launched
The Government has launched a consultation asking the public to share their views on how digital ID is used to make public services quicker, easier and more secure to access.
From managing free childcare payments to filing tax returns, the consultation will seek views from people on how the system could be used to make public services work better for them.
We are designing the new digital ID as something people will want. There will be no legal obligation for people to have or present the digital ID.
The Consultation is open until 5th May 2026, you can feed in here: Making public services work for you with your digital identity - GOV.UK
Read more here: Government launches consultation on making public services quicker, easier and more secure to access with digital ID - GOV.UK
Finance Bill - taxation changes
This week the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2025–26 reached its Third Reading in the House of Commons.
The Finance Bill is the legislation that puts the Government’s Budget into law. It sets the tax rules that fund our public services and shape the economy for the years ahead.
This year’s Bill is about making the tax system fairer, protecting working people, and ensuring those with income from wealth and assets contribute their fair share.
For further information visit: Finance (No. 2) Bill - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament
Local News
Appearance on Sky News
On Wednesday I joined the panel on Sky News to discuss the big issues coming out of Prime Minister’s Questions this week.
We spoke about rising fuel prices, and the impact the conflict in Iran could have here in the UK.
Watch my full appearance above.
Panel on Radio Live 5
This week I joined the MP panel on BBC Radio 5 Live with Nicky Campbell, where callers put their questions directly to us.
We discussed everything from defence to the everyday issues that matter locally, like fixing potholes and improving our roads.
It was great to hear directly from listeners and talk about the work our Government is doing to strengthen our country and support communities.
Listen to the full show here: Nicky Campbell - Does the Lords need more reform? Plus your questions for MPs - BBC Sounds
Westminster Hall Debate - Sikh and Jewish ethnicity data collection by public bodies
In December 2024, I introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill in Parliament the Public Body Ethnicity Data (Inclusion of Jewish and Sikh Categories) Bill. The Bill calls for public bodies that collect ethnicity data to include specific “Sikh” and “Jewish” categories, ensuring these communities are properly recognised in the data used to deliver public services.
On Wednesday, I secured a Westminster Hall debate on this issue, where I raised the matter directly with the Minister and pressed the Government on the work being done to address it.
Sikhs and Jews have been legally recognised as ethnic groups in the UK for more than 40 years and are uniquely recognised as both an ethnicity and a religion under the Equality Act 2010. Yet many public bodies still fail to record them as ethnic groups when collecting ethnicity data.
This means both communities are often invisible to policymakers, despite having legal protections under equality law.
Watch my speech here: https://youtu.be/N0VR6Dy3Q70
Read more here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/mp-renews-her-call-for-jewish-and-sikh-ethnicity-to-be-recorded-by-public-bodies/
Happy International Women's Day 2026
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Give to Gain.” It’s a reminder that when we invest in women our whole society becomes stronger.
Listen to my interview celebrating International women’s day.
Applications to run Quinton Post office
The Post Office are looking for a new postmaster to run the Quinton Post Office Franchise on Hagley Road West. It is so incredibly valuable to have a local post office in our community.
If you're interested, you can register your interest here: https://runapostoffice.co.uk/branch/quinton-post-office-birmingham-b32-1aj?search_term=B32%201AA
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'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.
Potholes repaired on Rotton Park Road
This week, after over a year of campaigning, along with local councillors, Marcus and Sharon we have successfully had dangerous potholes on Rotton Park Road repaired. I'm pleased this work has now been completed and the road has reopened.
If you have any concerns about potholes or road issues in your community, please get in touch.
Harborne on BBC's The Repair Shop
This week, The Repair Shop on the Road came to Harborne.
I was proud to work with my constituent Rupert, who has transformed a disused phone box in Harborne into a life saving defibrillator hub for the community.
Projects like this show the difference local people can make turning something unused into a vital public resource that could help save lives.
Thank you to The Repair Shop on the Road team for restoring the phone box and helping bring this project to life.
You can watch the full episode on iplayer: BBC iPlayer - The Repair Shop on the Road - Series 2: Birmingham - A Call for Help with a Life-Saving Restoration
£1.4 Million for Birmingham Women and Children's Hospital
Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust has secured £1.4 million in Government funding to buy a modular aseptic pharmacy unit to enable patients to access advanced therapy medicinal products closer to them.
This investment will improve the medicinal products available and increase the Hospital's capacity to carry out innovative medical trials.
Read my letter congratulating the Trust above.
NHS Waiting Lists DOWN
I'm delighted that NHS waiting lists are down across my constituency. Since the 2024 general election, waiting lists at University Hospitals Birmingham have fallen by 25.&% while at Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital trust they fell by 22%. This is amazing news for patients, meaning less time is spent waiting for the support you need.
Read more here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2026/03/nhs-waiting-list-continues-to-fall-despite-record-winter/
Evolve event
On Wednesday I hosted Birmingham-based social enterprise Evolve for their ENHANCE Programme event.
ENHANCE is an innovative programme designed to support people in prison to develop the cognitive and behavioural skills needed to rebuild their lives. Using evidence-based training grounded in the science of neuroplasticity the brain’s ability to adapt and form new pathways the programme focuses on developing decision-making, emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
By helping people build these skills, programmes like ENHANCE can play an important role in reducing reoffending and supporting rehabilitation.
Law Society meeting
It was great to meet Mark Evans, President of the The Law Society.
The Law Society is the professional membership body representing around 200,000 solicitors across England and Wales.
We discussed the key priorities facing their members, including how new technologies such as AI are changing legal practice, the pressures on access to justice, and how government and the profession can work together to ensure innovation supports both lawyers and the clients they serve.
Planning application request denied
The Council have refused planning permission for a recent application to build two three storey student accommodation blocks on Denise Drive. Thanks to local residents for raising the issue with me.
New stations in West Midlands announced
This week the Government announced that five new railway stations in the West Midlands are due to open to passengers shortly.
Opening Thursday 19 March 2026 (Walsall):
• Willenhall
• Darlaston
Opening Tuesday 7 April 2026 (Camp Hill Line, Birmingham):
• Kings Heath
• Moseley Village
• Pineapple Road
These openings mark a significant step forward in enhancing the region’s transport network and improving connectivity for local communities. Operated by West Midlands Trains, the new stations will offer residents improved access to the rail network and more sustainable travel options.
Read more here: West Midlands rail revolution continues as Mayor announces opening dates for five new stations
Deal signed to deliver 95 new affordable homes in Edgbaston
New affordable homes for Birmingham families are set to be built near Edgbaston reservoir after a deal was signed between Birmingham City Council and a developer, Keon Homes. A total of 95 affordable homes, including some proposed for social rent and some in shared ownership, are to be built on site.
Keon Homes will work with housing association, Midland Heart, to build the 95-strong mix of apartments (1 and 2 beds) and family homes (2, 3 and 4 beds).
Under the plans, the site of the former Tower Ballroom will be transformed into a fully accessible public walkway and square.
Read more here: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/news/article/1745/deal_signed_to_deliver_95_new_affordable_homes_in_edgbaston_on_the_former_tower_ballroom_site
Surgeries
My Advice surgeries for March have now concluded, my next surgeries will be on Thursday 9th April. Thank you for everyone who attended, and keep an eye out for details of my next surgeries on my social media and website.
In the meantime, if you have any issues, please contact me on email preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk or call 0121 392 8426.
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city.
To find the next pick-ups near you visit: Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations | Mobile Household Waste Centres | Birmingham City Council
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
Drop-in Session - Holloway Hall
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Mon 30 March 2026
Holloway Hall, Holloway, Birmingham
Drop-in Session - St Francis Community Church
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 08 April 2026
St Francis Community Centre, Glenside, Bartley Green
Harborne
PACT meeting - St Peter's Church
7:00PM -9:00PM, Wed 18 Mar 2026
St Peter's Church, Harborne, 13 Old Church Road
Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands Police
My 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 nine things the Government has delivered in England this week:
💷 The Spring Forecast shows this Government has the right economic plan, with inflation and borrowing falling and working people set to be over £1,000 better off.
💡 Decisions made at the Budget mean lower energy bills for families as the energy price cap falls.
🧩 Backed by £4 billion, the Government is strengthening support for children with SEND and investing in earlier help in schools.
🩺 A new GP contract, backed by £485 million, will mean better access to GPs with same-day appointments for urgent care
🏥 New NHS scanners will help detect osteoporosis earlier so thousands of patients can start treatment sooner.
🏫 New protections will help keep children with allergies safe at school, including spare adrenaline pens and staff training.
🚯 Councils now have stronger powers to clamp down on litter louts, including fines of up to £500 to help keep communities clean.
✡️ An independent review led by Sir David Bell will examine how schools tackle antisemitism and keep pupils safe.
🌍 The Government will deliver a migration system that is fair but firm and compassionate but controlled.
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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