Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 17 July 2026
- 20 hours ago
- 13 min read
This week the Government has delivered...
Building a Fairer Asylum System and Protecting Britain’s Proud Tradition of Sanctuary
This week the Government announced major reforms to the asylum system.
The changes are designed to restore confidence by speeding up decisions, tackling the criminal gangs that profit from dangerous Channel crossings and ensuring support is focused on people who genuinely need protection.
The reforms will also expand safe and legal routes for refugees fleeing conflict and persecution, while introducing a simpler and faster appeals process.
I support measures that protect Britain’s long tradition of offering sanctuary to those who need it, while ensuring the system is fair, controlled and works effectively for everyone.
Great British Summer Savings until September
Families across Birmingham Edgbaston can save money this summer through the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme.
Until 1 September, VAT has been cut from 20% to 5% on a range of family activities, including cinema tickets, attractions and children’s meals, helping families make the most of the summer holidays.
Simply visit the Government’s Great British Summer Savings website, enter your postcode and discover participating businesses and attractions near you.
Read more here: FAMILIES IN BIRMINGHAM EDGBASTON SET TO ENJOY GOVERNMENT’S ‘GREAT BRITISH SUMMER SAVINGS’
Keir Starmer's last PMQs
It was a privilege to be in the Chamber for the Prime Minister’s final PMQs.
It was a moving occasion, marking the end of a remarkable chapter. Keir Starmer transformed the Labour Party, rebuilt public trust and led us to a historic majority.
His leadership has changed our country for the better, and his legacy will endure for many years to come.
I thank him for his service and wish him every success for the future.
British Steel comes into public ownership
This week Parliament completed legislation to bring British Steel into public ownership.
Protecting our steel industry safeguards thousands of skilled jobs, strengthens UK manufacturing and helps secure the steel needed for major infrastructure projects across the country.
A strong domestic steel industry is important for both our economy and our national resilience, and this decision provides certainty for workers, businesses and communities.
Read more here: Government brings British Steel into public ownership to protect UK steelmaking - GOV.UK
Crackdown on Vapes Marketed at Children
I strongly welcome the Government’s new consultation on tougher action to stop children being targeted by vape companies.
The proposals include tighter rules on packaging, advertising, shop displays, flavours and vending machine sales, making vaping products less appealing to young people.
Prevention is one of the biggest ways we can improve the nation’s health. Helping children avoid nicotine addiction will reduce future illness and help build a healthier generation.
Read more here: Ministers launch crackdown on vapes targeting kids - GOV.UK
Have Your Say on Fireworks
Many residents contact me every year about the impact fireworks have on pets, older people and vulnerable residents.
This week the Government launched a 12-week consultation on fireworks legislation to gather views from the public.
The consultation includes proposals to:
* Restrict the loudest fireworks to professional displays.
* Ban more dangerous products.
* Review the wider regulatory framework.
If this is an issue that matters to you, I encourage you to take part in the consultation.
Read more here: Fireworks and pyrotechnics in the UK - GOV.UK
State of Climate and Nature 2026
This week, the Government published its second annual State of Climate and Nature Statement, setting out the latest evidence on climate change and nature loss in the UK, alongside measures being taken to address these challenges.
The statement highlights that 2025 was the UK's hottest year on record, with this year's heatwaves breaking further temperature records. New analysis from the Grantham Institute, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimates that up to 2,700 deaths in England and Wales during May and June may have been linked to extreme heat, with a significant proportion attributable to climate change.
Alongside the published statement, the Government has announced a package of measures, including:
A new 30 by 30 Delivery Plan to protect 30% of England's land for nature by 2030.
Action to deliver the Land Use Framework by 2030, supporting food security, nature recovery and economic growth.
A new package to strengthen climate adaptation and resilience.
Plans for a new National Forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.
The launch of a Youth Climate and Nature Panel.
New investment in climate adaptation research and technology.
The Government says these measures are intended to support nature recovery,
prepare the country for future climate impacts and drive innovation in the transition to a more sustainable economy.
Read more here: State of Climate and Nature - Hansard - UK Parliament
Turn It Up: Government's Plan for Music
This week, the Government launched Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music, a long-term partnership with the music industry to help ensure the UK remains one of the best places in the world to create, perform, experience and invest in music. The plan will support music communities across the country, including local venues, artists and creative organisations.
The plan aims to ensure that talent can be discovered, developed and supported wherever it is found. Music is one of Britain's greatest economic and cultural strengths, contributing £8 billion to the UK economy, supporting 220,000 jobs and accounting for one in every twelve music streams worldwide.
As part of the plan, the Government has announced a £15 million boost to the Music Growth Package, bringing total funding to £45 million to support more than 2,000 music projects over the next three years. The package also includes £12.5 million to help transform libraries into music lending hubs, offering free studio space and live performance opportunities.
Read more here: Government brings British Steel into public ownership to protect UK steelmaking - GOV.UK
Biggest Reform of Wedding Law in Almost 200 Years
The Government has launched a consultation on the biggest overhaul of wedding law in almost 200 years.
The proposals would give couples much greater freedom over where they can legally marry, including meaningful locations such as gardens, beaches and boats.
For the first time, interfaith couples would also be able to have a single legally recognised ceremony that reflects both of their faiths and traditions.
The reforms are designed to give couples more choice, make weddings more affordable and modernise outdated legislation.
The Government is running a consultation on the reforms, you can feed into here:
Oral Questions - Department for Health and Social Care
This week, I answered Health Questions in the House of Commons in my role as Minister for Health Innovation and Safety.
I answered questions on improving patient care, strengthening our NHS and delivering the Government’s Plan for Change. As both your local MP and a Health Minister, I am proud to ensure that the priorities of Birmingham Edgbaston are represented in Parliament while helping shape national health policy.
You can watch my questions and answers here: https://youtu.be/iME0DIT4puM
Adjournment debate
Before Parliament rose for the Summer Recess, I had the privilege of responding for the Government in the final debate of the parliamentary term.
The Adjournment Debate, secured by David Davis MP, focused on the Thirlwall Inquiry.
As Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, I set out the Government’s commitment to ensuring the Inquiry leads to meaningful action, so that lessons are implemented and patient care continues to improve.
You can watch my responses above.
Supporting Research That Improves Lives
This week, I was pleased to introduce the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Annual Report.
As Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, I see first-hand how health research leads to better treatments, earlier diagnoses and improved care for patients. It also helps create skilled jobs, supports our life sciences sector and grows the economy.
This year, the Government invested £1.7 billion in health and care research through the NIHR. That investment is helping to develop new medicines and medical technologies, improve cancer care, support prevention, and ensure more people can take part in clinical research.
The NIHR plays a vital role in making sure patients across the UK benefit from the latest medical advances, while strengthening the NHS for the future.
Read the full report here: Introduction | NIHR
Local News
New Harborne Banking Hub
I am delighted that Harborne’s new Banking Hub is due to open shortly after years of campaigning to protect face-to-face banking services for our community.
I recently visited the site with Cash Access team, I'm pleased the hub will be opened soon.
When Santander, HSBC, NatWest and Barclays closed their branches, many residents contacted me worried about losing access to cash and essential banking services. Older residents, disabled people, carers and local businesses told me that travelling elsewhere for basic banking simply wasn’t a realistic option.
That’s why I made securing a Banking Hub a priority. I campaigned against the closures, surveyed residents, attended protests, wrote to the banks and Government, met directly with Cash Access UK and consistently argued that Harborne should be recognised as a community in need of a permanent banking hub.
Thanks to the strength of local support and sustained campaigning, that case has now been accepted.
The new Banking Hub will provide day-to-day banking services for customers of all major banks, including cash withdrawals and deposits, cheque deposits, bill payments and balance enquiries. Individual banks will also offer face-to-face appointments on dedicated days each week.
This is a real victory for our community. It shows what can be achieved when residents come together and make their voices heard. I promised to fight for face-to-face banking in Harborne, and I am proud that together we have secured this important service for our High Street.
I look forward to seeing the Banking Hub open its doors and serving residents in the coming weeks.
Read more here: Success: Harborne Banking Hub secured
Speech at Medicines UK Conference
I was delighted to speak at the Medicines UK Conference this week.
Recognising the important generics sector which provides around nine in ten medicines used by the NHS and is supported by one of the world's most competitive and resilient off-patent markets.
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.
Calthorpe residents - Land sale
Sir Richards Drive Green space
Residents contacted me after learning that Calthorpe Estates is proposing to sell the green space between Sir Richard’s Drive and Fugelmere Close. I immediately contacted the Chief Executive of Calthorpe Estates to press the case for the local community to be given the first opportunity to purchase the land before it is offered on the open market.
Calthorpe Estates has confirmed it will give residents that opportunity.
I am bringing residents together to discuss the options, including a potential community purchase, and will continue working with the community to do everything possible to protect this valued local green space.
I'll be holding a meeting with residents on Monday 20 July from 6:00-8:00pm at Lightwoods Park, if you're a local resident please come along to share your views.
University of Birmingham joins Defence Universities Alliance
The University of Birmingham has been invited to join the new Defence Universities Alliance – a major national partnership bringing together leading universities to support the UK’s defence, security and technological capabilities.
This is a significant achievement for our city and a recognition of the University’s world-class expertise in research, innovation and skills. It will strengthen collaboration between universities, government and industry to accelerate research, develop new technologies and train the highly skilled workforce needed for the future.
For Birmingham, this means new opportunities to attract investment, create high-skilled jobs and support local businesses working across advanced engineering, digital technologies, life sciences and manufacturing. It also reinforces our city’s position as one of the UK’s leading centres for research and innovation.
I have written to Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, to congratulate him and everyone at the University on this well-deserved recognition. As Birmingham Edgbaston’s MP, I am proud to champion the University and the enormous contribution it makes to our local economy, our region and our country.
Safer pavement outside the Clock Tower on Harborne High Street
A resident contacted me after their mother tripped and fell on uneven paving slabs outside the Clock Tower building on Harborne High Street.
After raising the matter with Birmingham City Council on the resident’s behalf, I am pleased the pavement has now been repaired. The damaged slabs have been re-laid, removing the trip hazard and making the footpath safer for everyone who uses it.
This is a good example of how raising local issues can lead to practical improvements. If there is a problem in our community that you think needs attention, please get in touch. My team and I are always happy to help.
APPG for British Sikhs meeting
This week I spoke at the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs about the rise of Anti-Sikh hate and the increasing attacks on Sikhs.
It was invaluable to speak with Sikhs from across the UK about their experience, discussing what we can do as MPs to prevent this hate and ensure Sikhs can live in peace to practice their faith without fear.
In the media
Expanding access to innovative prostate cancer treatment
New long-term research has shown that focal therapy, a less invasive treatment for prostate cancer, can be just as effective as surgery or radiotherapy for many men, while significantly reducing the risk of side effects such as incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
The study, supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), adds to the evidence for expanding access to this innovative treatment. The Government has already committed up to £2.8 million to create more focal therapy centres across England as part of the National Cancer Plan.
As Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, I welcomed the findings, saying: “Our National Cancer Plan sets out our ambition to transform cancer care, and backing innovations like focal therapy is exactly how we are delivering on that promise.”
This is an important step towards giving more men access to effective, less invasive treatment while improving outcomes and quality of life.
Read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyq3lnndvxo
New national strategy to improve sepsis care
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that can develop rapidly from an infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical and can save lives.
The NHS has launched a new national strategy to improve the early detection and treatment of sepsis, including trialling innovative wearable technology to monitor high-risk patients at home and identify signs of deterioration sooner.
As Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, I welcomed the strategy, saying: “Behind every case is a patient and a family, and we have heard too many heartbreaking examples where signs of deterioration were not recognised quickly enough.”
The strategy also builds on Martha’s Rule, giving patients and families greater confidence to raise concerns if they believe a loved one’s condition is getting worse. Together, these measures will help improve patient safety, support earlier intervention and save more lives.
Read more here: http://femalefirst.co.uk/health/nhs-trial-wearable-sensors-detect-sepsis-earlier-cut-deaths-1447529.html
Learning Disabilities Mortality Report
As Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, I commented on the findings of the latest Learning Disabilities Mortality Review, which showed that more than half of adults with learning disabilities die before the age of 65. The report highlights the need to tackle persistent health inequalities and improve care and outcomes for people with learning disabilities.
Read more here: https://uk-times.com/over-half-of-adults-with-learning-difficulties-do-not-live-past-65-report-says-uk-news/
Value-Based Procurement
I welcomed new Department of Health and Social Care initiatives to expand value-based procurement across the NHS. As the minister responsible for medtech, I am keen to support approaches that encourage innovation, improve patient outcomes and ensure better value for taxpayers.
Read more here: https://med-techinsights.com/2026/07/10/value-based-procurement-momentum-to-be-boosted-by-dhsc-initiatives/
Summer events
As we approach the summer holidays, there's plenty of fun, family-friendly activities to get involved in. Please see some we have coming up in Birmingham Edgbaston below.
Moor Pool Heritage Trust - Summertime crafts
When: Friday 31st July at 10am-midday and Friday 14th August 10am-midday
Where: Moor Pool Heritage trust
Join Moor Pool Heritage trust for a morning of seasonal crafting this summer from 10am to midday on Friday 31st July in the Main Hall. £5 per child. No booking required, cakes and drinks available to purchase.
Find out more here: Summertime Crafts – Moor Pool Heritage Trust
Birmingham Botanical Gardens events:
🎵 Jukebox Rhythm Orchestra (Saturday 25th July)
🎵 Rich Dickinson’s Driving Force (Sunday 26th July)
🎵 King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys (Friday 24th July)
🎵 Silent Disco (Saturday 18th July)
Artisan Market - 1st August
Pick up a locally made treat from independent makers! Click Here To Book
For more information on events at Botanical Gardens, visit: What's On | Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Dementia Cafe - Birmingham Settlement
Birmingham Age UK run monthly Dementia cafes for those living with Dementia or anyone worried about their memory as well as their family and carers.
When: 11am - 13:20pm on the third Thursday of every month
Where: Birmingham Settlement, 79 Selwyn Road, Birmingham B16 0SL
The next one will be on Thursday 16 July - for more information email: dementia.cafes@ageukbirmingham.org.uk
Surgeries
This week I held my final advice surgeries of the month, want to thank everyone who came to speak with me and for raising issues that matter to them. My next surgeries will be in September.
In the meantime if you have any issues, please reach out on 0121 392 8426 or email preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk
For more information about my advice surgeries visit: Advice Surgeries | Preet Kaur Gill
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city.
Quinton | ||
Date | Location | Time |
24 July 2026 | Quinton Park car park, Highfield Lane, B32 1QX | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
Bartley Green | ||
Date | Location | Time |
21 July 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 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.
Edgbaston
PACT Meeting
6:00PM - 7:00PM, Fri 24 July 2026
Location to be confirmed
Quinton
PACT Meeting
6:00-8:00PM Fri 17 July 2026
Quinborne Community Centre, Ridgacre Rd, Quinton, Birmingham B32 2TW
Drop in Surgery
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 11 August 2026
Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW
Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands Police
Here’s some things the Government delivered in England last week you may have missed:
New free breakfast clubs - including three in Edgbaston
Early Victims' Right to Review Scheme
Reforming Children's Social Care to put Children first
Major overhaul on Veterinary regulation
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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