Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 15th May 2026
- 46 minutes ago
- 8 min read
This Week the Government has delivered...
New role - Parliamentary Under Secretary for Health and Social Care
This week, I joined His Majesty’s Government as Minister for Health Innovation and Safety in the Department of Health and Social Care. It is a real honour to take on the role, and I want to thank Zubir for all his hard work and dedication in the role.
I’m excited to get started there is so much we can do to improve lives, drive innovation, and deliver better health outcomes for people across the country.
King's Speech - 13 May 2026
On Wednesday, Parliament was formally opened with the King’s Speech, marking the start of a new session
King Charles outlined the Government's priorities for the new session, these included:
Strengthening our economic security
Our immediate challenge is to remove the barriers to growth. That means adopting an industrial strategy to create more high paid jobs, with an apprenticeships plan to match, and an economic plan that is driving down inflation and interest rates.
We will introduce bills covering European Partnership, Nuclear Regulation, Competition Reform, Highways Financing, Commonhold and Leaseholders’ Rights, Steel and Clean Water to address these challenges.
This Government will protect critical industries vital to the UK’s resilience, and act decisively to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis for families.
Ending the opportunity crisis
We are no longer leaving people to tread water; instead, we want to empower people, so that they are ready to seize opportunities to enjoy and improve their lives. And we will fight for every child to have the chance to go as far as their talent and effort will take them.
Bills on Education for All, Commonhold and Leaseholders’ Rights, and Social Housing Renewal will build on measures from the first session to create space for opportunity to thrive.
This Government is taking action to further empower and embolden working people to go as far as their talent or effort takes them.
Strengthening our energy security
To help families with the cost of bills and make us more resilient to energy price shocks, we need to double down on our plan to get off the oil price rollercoaster.
Both the Energy Independence Bill and Nuclear Regulation Bill will strengthen us against energy price shocks for the long-term.
This Government is taking action to protect households and industry from global instability, with clean, homegrown energy independence.
Strengthening our national security
We know that only countries with strong communities and a shared sense of purpose will thrive in the years ahead. That’s why we’re taking on extremism wherever it appears, including where it is sponsored by hostile states such as Iran. And it’s why we’re delivering a firm but fair immigration system that restores control and earns public trust.
We will introduce bills strengthening National Security, Cyber Security and Resilience and the Armed Forces, as well as our Immigration and Asylum systems, and Tackling State Threats.
This Government is building back the sense of pride we’ve lost in our local communities, and returning a sense of security and control to working people.
Strengthening and reform the state and public services.
This government is rebuilding stronger public services, which actively support working people and address their needs, to build a more resilient country for all.
We will achieve this through an NHS Modernisation Bill, Digital Access to Services Bill, Public Office (Accountability) Bill, and Police Reform Bill.
The Government is rebuilding an active state, on the side of the British people, that can help to end the opportunity crisis and help build a Britain built for all.
We make these decisions with a clear aim: a fairer society that lifts living standards and widens opportunity for everyone. We won’t promise quick fixes.
We’ll level with the public about trade-offs and investments we need to make.
Watch the full speech here: State Opening of Parliament 2026
Economy growth up defies expectations
This week the UK's GDP growth defied expectations and put the country as the fastest growing economy in the G7 at the start of this year.
This is great news as it positions the UK in one of the better financial positions globally.
Read more here: Reeves seizes on surprise UK growth as evidence Labour leadership must stay | Economic growth (GDP) | The Guardian
NHS waiting lists down by 110,000
65% of NHS patients are now waiting less than 18 weeks, and waiting lists also down by 110,000 in March! Outside of Covid, that is the biggest monthly drop in waiting lists since 2008 and the fastest improvement in waiting times in NHS history.
Under this Government, our NHS is improving across the board:
🚑 Fastest ambulance response times in 5 years for strokes and heart attacks.
⏱️ 77.1% people discharged after 4 hours or less in A&E - the best in five years
🩺 2,000 more GPs recruited
😀 GP satisfaction up 14.5% since taking office
🧠 8,500 mental health staff recruited - target hit 3 years early
📈 Exceeded target with 2.8% productivity growth
Read more here: NHS England » “Huge moment” as the health service hits 18-week target amid half-a-million waiting list drop
British Steel nationalised
This week the Prime Minister announced plans to nationalise the British Steel industry.
Steel is an essential part of our economy and key to growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive and critical national infrastructure.
A new Bill will be introduced next week to provide powers for the Government to bring steep companies into public ownerships, It will make sure that this is in the public interest to make sure Britain is positioned as a world leader in clean, modern steel production and attract new investments.
Read more here: New legislation gives Government power to bring British Steel into public ownership - GOV.UK
New rules to free up driving tests for learners
This Government has now banned the online bots which have been scraping up driving test slots. This will help to prevent the exploitation of learners and drive down test waiting times.
This will ensure more learner drivers can book tests and make the system fairer for everyone.
Read more here: End of the road for unofficial driving test booking services - GOV.UK
Local News
Media appearances
Throughout this week I spoke with various regional and national news channels to discuss the Prime Minister's leadership and the results of the local elections.
LBC
BBC Politics Midlands
BBC Politics Live
The Fourcast
The Times Radio
ITV Central
BBC Radio 5 Live
BBC WM
Other media mentions
Sky News
I spoke with Sky News on Keir Starmer's speech
Read more here: https://news.sky.com/.../politics-latest-local-elections...
Birmingham Live
I spoke with Birmingham Live about the recent local election result.
Read more here: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/.../6-things-sir-keir...
Politics Home
“We have got a mandate until 2029 - right now, we've got to be humble with the electorate on the protest vote that they made, at the change that they want to see, and focusing on the things they voted for."
I spoke with PoliticsHome, read more here https://www.politicshome.com/.../keir-needs-go-labour-mps...
The Guardian
I spoke to the Guardian about local elections and the focus of the Government.
Read more here: https://www.theguardian.com/.../may-elections-results...
GB News
Speaking on GB News, I shared how the Government will reflect on the message that the British public have given us and make sure the change the public needs is delivered.
Read more here:https://www.gbnews.com/.../reform-uk-local-elections-war...
The Telegraph
The Telegraph shared my comment about how the Government has a mandate to deliver.
Read more here: The Telegraph
Visit to UCB
On Thursday, I joined Politics and Law Sixth Form students at University College Birmingham to discuss my role as an MP and answer some of their questions about current politics. Our conversation ranged from local elections to policy issues.
It was great to speak with such engaged young people! Many thanks to the Politics Rep students and staff for organising the visit.
Newman University visit
On Thursday, I visited Birmingham Newman University's new state-of-the-art digital health facilities. I was fortunate to be given exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the University's new innovative health and digital learning facilities.
Earlier this year, Newman University was awarded £2 million from the Government to establish a new Community Digital Health Hub. The hub has been created to increase advanced training spaces and new health and digital degree programmes, expanding to over 1,000 students to support NHS workforce development.
I want to thank all the staff for their hard work, and dedication to improving health in our community.
Surgeries
This week I held my surgeries in Edgbaston and Bartley Green. I want to thank all the residents who attended, and for bringing their issues to my attention.
My next surgeries will be on Friday 5 June, I look forward to speaking with residents then. In the meantime if you have any concerns you'd like to raise with me, please get in touch either by ringing 0121 392 8426 or emailing preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk
Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Award
It was great to attend the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards 2026 this week. It was wonderful to celebrate enterprise, ambition and brilliant businesses that make our region a wonderful place to live, work and invest.
SEND roundtable
On Friday, I joined Headteachers from across my constituency to discuss the proposed SEND reforms. It was helpful to hear from current education leaders to hear ways we can improve SEND provisions in schools.
Lordswood Girls – Social media roundtable
It was fantastic to speak with students at Lordswood Girls about social media and potentially solutions for supporting teenagers on social media.
I will be sharing their thoughts with the Department for Science and Technology to inform the guidance.
The consultation on the ban for social media for under 16s is open until 26th May, and anyone can feedback here: Growing up in the online world: a national consultation - GOV.UK
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.
Grant awarded to Birmingham Edgbaston Cricket Club
The Warwickshire Cricket Foundation in Birmingham Edgbaston has secured £6,120 through the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, which funds community-led projects celebrating the Windrush generation and their impact on British society.
I'd like to congratulate the Edgbaston cricket club for all their hardwork in securing this fantastic funding.
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, please 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
Bike Register Event
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Sat 16 May 2026
Woodgate Valley Car Park, Bartley Green
Drop-in Session - HOLLOWAY HALL
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Mon 01 June 2026
Holloway Hall, Holloway, Birmingham
Edgbaston
PCSO walkabout
4:00PM - 5:00PM, Sat 23 May 2026
QE Hospital, Mindelsohn Way
Harborne
PCSO walkabout
10:00AM - 11:30AM, Sat 16 May 2026
Hagley Road West, Harborne
PCSO walkabout
4:00PM - 6:00PM, Sat 23 May 2026
Hagley Road West, Harborne
cuppa with a coppa
3:00PM - 5:00PM, Sat 30 May 2026
Boston Tea Party Harborne Village.
Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands Police
This week I have helped on over 180 constituents with casework. 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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