Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 18th April 2026
- 20 hours ago
- 11 min read
Updated: 10 minutes ago
This Week the Government Announced...
QE Hospital to open new UTC
This week the Government announced it was tackling corridor care by investing in new NHS hospital facilities. This includes a new urgent treatment centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Edgbaston.
Constituents have raised serious concerns with me about family members being left in corridors, deprived of sleep without a proper room to receive care.
This new centre will ease pressure on the hospital and ensure every patient gets treatment in the right place.
New UTCs will be set up as part of the Government programme, which is backed by £215.5 million, and includes 10 new urgent treatment centres (UTCs), four expanded UTCs, five new same day emergency care (SDEC) services and 21 expanded SDECs, providing a significant increase in frontline capacity.
Read more here: NHS experts deployed to tackle corridor care - GOV.UK
Government Launches New YouTube Offensive
The Government is launching a major centralised YouTube channel to counter the surge of far‑right content and stop public debate being dominated by “conspiracy theorists and keyboard warriors.”
The new channel will feature influencers and real people, not ministers, to boost reach after research showed government comms currently hit just 2% of the public.
Read more here: https://news.sky.com/story/government-youtube-drive-to-fight-conspiracy-theorists-and-keyboard-warriors-13530907
UK’s Largest solar farm approved
The Government is moving faster on cleaner, homegrown power with the new power-generating solar farm to be opened in North Kesteven, Lincolnshire.
With an output of 800 megawatts, the Springwell Solar Farm supports the UK's efforts towards cleaner and more secure energy sources.
Read more here: Government approves UK’s largest power-producing solar farm - GOV.UK
New Food standards in schools consultation launched
This Government has announced it is consulting on food standards in schools. This Government is determined that every child gets the best start in life: and a good meal or a nutritious breakfast can set a child up for the day – helping them to concentrate, learn and thrive. The consultation will review legislation to understand what parents and educators need for school food nutrition guidance and ensures this aligns with current dietary advice.
To feed into the consultation visit: School Food Standards: updating the legislative framework - Department for Education - Citizen Space
Read more here: Preet Kaur Gill MP urges parents, schools and caterers in Birmingham Edgbaston to have their say on new school food standards
University of Birmingham’s Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA) to lead UK in next-generation medicine manufacturing with major Government investment
The Government has announced multi-million-pound funding through the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF) to support the development of three Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standard cleanrooms at the University of Birmingham’s Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA).
These will enable the production of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), including cell and gene therapies and mRNA vaccines, for both clinical trials and direct patient treatment.
The Government’s investment into the University of Birmingham’s PHTA will contribute to a £10.7 million near-patient biomanufacturing facility based at the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus. This model of “near-patient manufacturing” allows advanced treatments to be developed and produced in close proximity to where patients are receiving care dramatically reducing delays between discovery and delivery.
Happy Vaisakhi
It was wonderful to join students from the University of Birmingham's Sikh society for Vaisaskhi event on Monday at Number 10. Thanks to the Prime Minister for hosting, and meeting with students to hear about the importance of Vaisakhi for Sikhs.
Well done to the students for being excellent representatives of their university and our community.
Renewed Women's Health strategy published
This week the Government set out new plans in the Women's Health Strategy, that focus on women being empowered and heard. It has announced plans to streamline gynae care to cut waiting lists and ensure faster access for conditions like endometriosis and fibroids.
A new standard of care will also be produced to ensure women are finally offered appropriate and effective pain relief for invasive gynaecological procedures, from contraceptive fitting through to hysteroscopies, addressing long-standing concerns around inadequate pain management.
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/womens-voices-to-be-at-the-heart-of-renewed-health-strategy
10,000 British manufacturers to have energy bills cut by up to 25%
The Government has announced it is expanding its British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), support by 40% —meaning 10,000 British manufacturers will have their energy bills cut by up to 25%.
The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs for eligible businesses by up to £40 per megawatt hour. That’s a saving that makes their exports more competitive, get prices of consumer goods down, and allows businesses to invest in workers and growth – not on energy from abroad.
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-cuts-electricity-bill-for-10000-manufacturers-in-boost-for-uk-competitiveness
Our place to give - new roadmap for philanthropy
The Government has announced a new roadmap aimed at unlocking philanthropic investment for England’s most deprived communities. Backed by a £1 million investment, the initiative will connect donors with local projects, support place‑based giving, and strengthen local partnerships through a new Community of Practice and a network of regional ambassadors.
The plan is designed to ensure more funding reaches communities outside London, including cities such as Birmingham, by making it easier for high‑net‑worth individuals and philanthropists to give back to the places that shaped them and direct funding where it is most needed.
The announcement comes amid ongoing funding inequalities. Across the UK, £14 billion was donated in 2025, including £11.3 billion from individual philanthropists. However, London continues to receive more than a third of all foundation funding, alongside significantly higher levels of Gift Aid donations compared with the UK average.
Read more here: Preet Kaur Gill MP welcomes Government plan to unlock philanthropic investment for Birmingham Edgbaston
3,000 new neighbourhood police officers in post
3,000 new neighbourhood police officers come into post this month, two months ahead of the Government's schedule.
Figures released last week show that 3,123 additional neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs have been hired or redeployed since April last year and are now focused on fighting local crimes in communities.
Last year the government pledged to have 3,000 additional neighbourhood policing personnel by the end of March 2026, meeting the target in January.
The increase in neighbourhood officers is already delivering results. The Home Office’s Winter of Action scheme across December and January saw almost 18,000 arrests across more than 600 towns and cities as police presence and patrols were ramped up.
Read more here: Surge in neighbourhood police in communities fighting crime - GOV.UK
In Birmingham, thanks to my successful campaign working with Al Carns MP for Selly Oak, we have secured neighbourhood police officers for every ward in the city and two each in our area.
SEND reform: Experts support
This week the Government announced it would be providing £429m to set up Experts at Hand, the first part of a £1.8bn investment to improve SEND support.
This will open access to specialist support for children with SEND - faster, earlier and easier. It was need less time spent waiting for diagnosis and long waits for specialised SEND support.
Building a future tech sector that works for everyone
Last year, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall, launched the Women in Tech Taskforce.
The Taskforce is examining the barriers that prevent women from entering, progressing, and leading careers in the technology sector. This work is increasingly important as rapid technological change continues to reshape the economy and the workforce.
To inform this work, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has launched a Call for Evidence. DSIT is seeking views from a wide range of people and organisations, including individuals working in tech, employers, educators, policymakers, industry bodies, and third-sector organisations.
The aim is to ensure future policy reflects diverse experiences and supports a more inclusive tech sector across the UK.
The Call for Evidence closes at 11:59pm on 23 April 2026.
You can share evidence here: Building a future tech sector that works for everyone: Call for evidence
Protection against cyber attacks
This week the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall wrote an open letter to businesses about the steps they can take against cyber attacks, in light of the rapidly advancing AI capabilities.
She urged companies to look at steps to ensure they have the right software and support to protect themselves against continuously advancing AI.
The Government is already taking steps to ensure business are protected, such as through the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which will strengthen protections for critical services we all rely on.
Read more here: AI cyber threats: open letter to business leaders (HTML) - GOV.UK
Local News
Visit to Holly Lodge High School
On Thursday I joined students at Holly Lodge High School to speak about my career in Politics and how I became an MP. It was great to hear from young people passionate and interested in politics.
Meeting with Acting Chief Constable Scott Green
I met with Acting Chief Constable Scott Green at West Midlands Police to discuss the ongoing concerns around crime in our community. It was helpful to outline the issues in our communities and solutions to work with the police to resolve them. I look forward to continuing to meet with the Chief Constable regularly to raise any local issues with him.
Oasis Academy Woodview visit
On Thursday I visited Oasis Academy Woodview in Edgbaston new free breakfast club, which opened this term. It was fantastic to speak with staff and pupils about how beneficial the new Government funded breakfast club has been for them. It's getting children into school on time, ensuring they eat a healthy breakfast and have an overall great start to their day.
Thank you to staff at Oasis Academy Woodview for hosting me.
Meeting with Tech entrepreneurs
Great to meet with some impressive tech entrepreneurs yesterday. Jong Chung, Caroline Laurenson and Peter Wadsworth, are all leaders in the industry making waves and working hard in the ever-evolving world of tech.
It was insightful to speak about the challenges in tech and the opportunities for tech business across the UK.
Inspector Paul Hatton meeting
I met with Inspector Paul Hatton to speak about the police’s priorities in the area. I was able to raise residents’ concerns in our communities and look at solutions from the police to keep our neighbourhoods safe.
If you have any concerns about crime in our community please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will speak to the local police directly.
Register to vote for May elections
Birmingham City Council elections are taking place on Thursday 7th May. The deadline to register to vote, is Monday 20 April at 5pm, for those who wish to apply for a postal vote the deadline is until 5pm the following day on Tuesday 21 April.
To register visit: Register to vote - 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.
Early Adopters programme
The Local Youth Transformation programme, is being funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The initiative will improve youth offer and provide opportunities for young people to get support, be creative and have opportunities.
Young people can expect:
A safe, welcoming place where they feel a sense of belonging.
Support for mental health and wellbeing
Access to youth workers and specialist services
Help with careers, skills, and volunteering
Space for youth‑led creativity and co‑design
A fully functioning temporary Hub will open inside the Library of Birmingham, giving young people early access to support and connecting closely with the DWP Youth Hub.
A temporary hub is open at the Library of Birmingham now, with a permanent hub on Cannon Street set to open in Summer this year.
School Games Mark Awards
Congratulations to schools in Edgbaston which have been commended for achieving Gold or Platinum in the School Games Mark.
The School Games Mark is an award scheme which celebrates schools’ commitment to developing competitive sport within their school and community. It allows schools to assess their PE provision and create an active plan for improvement.
The following schools have been commended are:
Gold
Barford Primary School
Bartley Green School
Four Dwellings Primary Academy
George Dixon Primary School
Hillcrest School and Sixth Form Centre
Oasis Academy Woodview
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School
Priory School
Shenley Academy
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
St Paul’s School for Girls
Summerfield Primary School
Platinum
Chad Vale Primary School
St George's School Edgbaston
St Patrick's Catholic Primary School
Welsh House Farm Community School and Special Needs Resources Base
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city.
Quinton | ||
30 April 2026 | Quinton Park car park, Highfield Lane, B32 1QX | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
Bartley Green | ||
10 May 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 8:00am to midday |
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
PACT meeting (police and communities together)
8:00PM - 9:00PM, Tue 21 April 2026
Milebrook Hall, 143-151 Field Lane
Drop-in Session - ST FRANCIS COMMUNITY CHURCH
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 06 May 2026
St Francis Community Centre, Glenside, Bartley Green.
Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands Police
My WhatsApp channel
I’m excited to share I’ve launched a 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 ten things the Government has delivered in England last week:
👶 The Government has scrapped the two-child limit, which will lift 450,000 children out of poverty
👵 Over 12 million pensioners will see their State Pension rise by up to £575, thanks to the Government's action to ease the cost of living
📈 Working people are getting help with the cost of living, with wages rising, energy bills cut by £117 on average and prescription charges frozen
🔪 The Government is backing the police with a new strategy to halve knife crime, £26 million for hotspot enforcement and over 3,000 additional neighbourhood officers deployed early
🎓 The Government is capping student loan interest rates, protecting graduates from rising costs and easing financial pressure
🏭 Thanks to Government's industrial strategy, over £700 million has been secured for UK manufacturing, including a major new gigafactory and 4,200 jobs
☀️ The Government is driving the clean energy transition, with the UK’s largest solar farm approved in Lincolnshire and backing for green hydrogen and jobs in South Yorkshire
🎒 Thanks to the Government's focus on young people, youth services are being rebuilt with new provision across the country
🌊 Pride in Place funding has been announced for some of England's seaside towns, to help bring back the "glory days" for coastal communities
🦋 The Government is investing a record £90 million to protect nature and restore threatened species across England
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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