Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 20th March 2026
- Mar 18
- 11 min read
Updated: Mar 22
This Week the Government Announced...
Ukraine conflict
As the war in the Middle East continues, it’s absolutely crucial the conflict in Ukraine is not forgotten.
That’s the message the Prime Minister gave Volodymyr Zelenskyy who was at Downing Street yesterday - as we announced a deeper defence and security partnership including a £500 million investment into a new AI Centre of Excellence in Kyiv so artificial intelligence gives Ukraine the biggest advantage possible on the battlefield.
Over £50 million to support families struggling with soaring oil costs
With winter drawing to a close, and families struggling with the rising price of heating oils, this government is committed to helping ensure that vulnerable families are able to heat their homes and access hot water.
The price of kerosene – the fuel used for heating oil - has been particularly impacted by the conflict in the Middle East and is currently double that of crude oil.
In Great Britain, unlike gas and electricity customers, those who heat their homes with oil are not covered by the energy price cap, meaning they are exposed to more immediate energy price hikes.
The PM’s been answering the public’s questions about the Iran war - including what we’re doing to protect people from spikes in the cost of living, watch the video above.
Read more here: Over £50 million to help families struggling with soaring heating oil costs - GOV.UK
Employment drive to help unlock 200,000 new jobs and apprenticeships for next generation
The Government is rolling out a £2.5 billion Youth Guarantee over the next three years to support 16–24-year-olds, particularly those not in work, education or training, to get back on track.
Across Great Britain, this includes expanding Youth Hubs to over 360 areas and introducing a new Youth Guarantee Gateway in Jobcentres, giving young people on Universal Credit tailored support to move into jobs, training or education.
It will create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn including work experience placements, employer-led training and programmes that guarantee a job interview.
Alongside this, new incentives for employers including grants for hiring young people and support for apprenticeships plus a Jobs Guarantee for those unemployed long-term, will help unlock up to 200,000 jobs.
The Government's Youth Guarantee will...
✅ Support 60,000 young people over 3 years
✅Give businesses up to £3,000 for every young person they hire aged 18-24 on Universal Credit and looking for work for six months
✅Expand the Jobs Guarantee from 18-21 to 18-24, creating more than 35,000 extra subsidised jobs
✅Introduce new Apprenticeship inventive - giving SMEs in England £2,000 if they take on a new employee aged 16-24
We're getting young people into work, supporting their futures and our local economies.
Read more here: Major employment drive to help unlock 200,000 new jobs and apprenticeships for next generation - GOV.UK
£830 million invested in flooding protection
Tens of thousands of homes and businesses will benefit from improved protection from flooding, following a £830 million funding injection for flood schemes for 2026/27.
£300 million will be spent managing, maintaining and repairing Environment Agency assets, including those damaged by Storms Goretti and Chandra. Over 600 schemes will receive funding right across England, which will mean better protection for 29,000 homes and businesses.
The funding is part of the largest flood resilience programme in England’s history, with £10.5 billion being invested between 2024 and 2036 to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure better. Since 2024, the government has immediately prioritised repairs and maintenance as well as better protecting 24,000 properties in its first year.
Local Media strategy launched
This week, the Government launched the first Local Media Strategy in a generation, backing trusted local journalism and recognising the essential role local news plays in communities across the UK.
The Strategy includes up to £12 million in new funding through a multi-year Local News Fund to support local news outlets in print, online, radio and TV as they transition to sustainable digital business models.
The plan will support community radio, encourage innovation in local media, and tackle the growing risk of ‘news deserts’, where communities have little or no dedicated local news coverage.
It will also help inspire the next generation of journalists, promoting initiatives like ‘Newspapers for Schools’ and connecting young people with opportunities to pursue careers in local media.
The Strategy forms part of the government’s wider work to strengthen communities, improve democratic accountability and protect what matters.
Read more here: Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation - GOV.UK
Nuclear Regulatory taskforce response
This week the Government published its response to the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce chaired by John Fingleton known as the Fingleton Review. The response sets out how the Government will accelerate the delivery of nuclear infrastructure in a way that reduces costs and delivers better outcomes for nature.
As a result of the reforms outlined, nuclear projects will be built faster and more cheaply, boosting national energy security and protecting households from volatile global fossil fuel markets as part of a long-overdue overhaul of nuclear regulation.
The Fingleton Review found that an “overly complex” and “bureaucratic” system was favouring process over safe outcomes and holding back the industry. The Government is delivering reforms in a way that creates a win‑win: enabling the construction of critical infrastructure while protecting nature and the environment.
This Government is delivering a golden age of nuclear—greenlighting Sizewell C on the Suffolk coast, which will support 17,000 jobs nationwide at peak construction; progressing Hinkley Point C in Somerset; backing the UK’s first small modular reactors at Wylfa in North Wales; and paving the way for further projects across the country with international partners.
Meningitis outbreak
The current outbreak of meningitis is deeply concerning and my sympathies go out to the families of the two young women who’ve lost their lives.
The Health Secretary is working closely with the NHS and the UK Health Security Agency so antibiotics are offered to those who need them, while vaccines are made available to students in halls of residence at the University of Kent.
But as a number of cases have been reported outside Kent, it’s vital people are aware of the symptoms so they seek urgent help if they need it.
The key things people should watch out for:
🌡️ A high temperature
🤕 Headache and/or being sick
🔴 A rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it (although a rash doesn’t always appear)
Read more about symptoms here: Meningitis - Symptoms - NHS
Chancellor's plan for economic growth
On 17 March 2026, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave the Mais lecture at Bayes Business School. She outlined the Government's plans to move the model for growth from concentrated in a small number of areas to one that unlocks opportunity across every part of the country.
The Government plans to back Britain’s cities and towns by improving transport links, expanding housing, and investing in skills to support long‑term regional growth.
It is of great strategic importance to have a deeper UK–EU cooperation in an uncertain global environment. To deliver economic security and stability for businesses, the Government will be prepared to align with EU rules where this meets the UK’s National Interest Principles, specifically when it supports long‑term growth, benefits consumers and creates jobs; when it ensures stable and compatible policy goals; and when it strengthens the UK’s security and resilience.
Watch the full speech above.
Read more here: Mais Lecture 2026 - GOV.UK
Saving British Steel
The story of steel in this country goes back generations. Last year, the Government recalled Parliament to pass emergency laws to save thousands of jobs at the Scunthorpe British Steel plant.
But we’re not using enough of the steel we make here at home. That’s why this Government’s announced a new Steel Strategy with three main aims:
1️⃣ Backing our steel industry with £2.5 billion of investment, on top of the £500 million we’re already investing in Port Talbot
2️⃣ Using British steel as the backbone for British infrastructure, energy and defence projects
3️⃣ Stopping the cheap and illegal dumping of foreign steel by introducing new import tariffs
Read the Prime Minister's article here: British steel can help fire up country's economy - Mirror
AI and Copyright
This Government is committed to protecting the UK's position as a world‑leading creative powerhouse while unlocking AI’s potential to grow the economy and improve British lives.
At the end of 2024, the Government published a consultation on copyright and AI. At that stage, the Government’s preferred way forward was to enable AI developers to train on copyright works, but to give rightsholders the ability to opt-out of this regime. This was overwhelmingly rejected by the vast majority of the creative industries.
The Government have listened. They have engaged extensively with creatives, AI firms, industry bodies, unions, academics and AI adopters, and that engagement has shaped their new approach.
The Government have also set out where we will do more work with our creative and AI sectors, including on digital replicas, labelling AI-generated content, creator control and transparency and support for our brilliant small and independent creatives. Every country is grappling with this issue and we are determined to get this right, so that both these vital sectors can continue to flourish, thrive and lead the world.
Read the more here: Report on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Credit Union Common Bond Reform
Ministers want to lift the cap on the common bond to allow a credit union to serve up to 10 million members.
Enabling credit unions to expand and broaden their membership will help ensure that more people can access fair, lower-cost alternatives to high-cost credit. This will strengthen the provision of responsible financial services and support households with the cost of living.
As Chair of the Co-operative Party Parliamentary Group, this is something our movement and credit unions have fought for for many years. Because we know the stakes. Without access to fair finance, too many people are forced into high-cost lenders and spiralling debt.
Credit unions offer a better way. A way that, now, everyone can benefit from.
Read the Prime Minister's article here: Starmer government sets out plans for credit union reform - Coop News
Local News
University of Birmingham Academics
This week, University of Birmingham academics Aleksandra Monka and Dr Enrico Amico were finalists in the STEM for Britain event at the Houses of Parliament. STEM for Britain held its annual poster competition for early career researchers in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics.
Dr Amico, Associate Professor was recognised for his research on brain fingerprints of strokes, while Aleksandra, a PHD Researcher was selected for her work on the spread of respiratory particles in indoor spaces.
Congratulations to Enrico and Aleksandra for their hard work.
To read more about Enrico's work, visit: [Advanced Models in COnnectomics ] – Research Lab on Network Neuroscience
New Speed bumps
I'm delighted that after successfully campaigning, for speeding measures Birmingham City Council have installed speed bumps along Wadhurst Road, Bernard Road and The Ridgeway.
These measures in North Edgbaston will help to reduce speeding and make our streets safer for all.
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.
The hub will open at the Library of Birmingham in April 2026.
HAF programme
As the Easter holidays approach, it’s a good time to start planning activities for your children.
The HAF programme is open to families with children aged 4–16 years on benefits‑related free school meals.
If you're eligible you can sign up here: About Us - Bring it on Brum!
New Parliament Teacher training
The UK Parliament Education team are offering a fully funded 3-day residents "Teacher Ambassador Programme" in Westminster. It is designed for teachers to gain in-depth knowledge of parliament, explore the Palace of Westminster and meet with officials.
Applications for this year's programme taking place from 22nd-24th June 2026, are open now and close on Sunday 29th March.
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.
Applications for Kellogg's Breakfast Club Grant Open
On Thursday (19 March), Kellogg opened applications for their Breakfast Club Grants.
Primary and secondary schools are able to apply for a grant of £1,000 to support their breakfast club. A limited number of grants are available, with priority given to schools where 35% or more of pupils are in receipt of pupil premium funding. Schools are able to use the funding in whichever way has the greatest impact for them.
Primary schools can apply here
Secondary schools can apply here
Quinton polling station change
The polling station for some voters in the Quinton Ward will change for the local elections in 2026. Voters who previously cast their ballot at Four Dwellings Forum will now vote at Four Dwellings Primary Academy on 7th May 2026.
For more information on elections, visit: Elections and voting | Birmingham City Council
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. Please note there will be no surgery for Friday in April due to the bank holiday.
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.
Bartley Green | ||
8 April 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
Quinton | ||
30 April 2026 | Quinton Park car park, Highfield Lane, B32 1QX | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
To find the next pick-ups near you, please
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
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 nine things the Government has delivered in England this week:
🏡 The Government is cutting water bills for hundreds of thousands of households, delivering the biggest WaterSure overhaul in nearly 30 years
⛽ Drivers’ pockets are being protected after the Government froze fuel duty
🏗️ The Government is fast-tracking homes, transport and clean energy projects, investing £100 million to speed up planning approvals
🏭 British battery start-ups can now scale up next-generation EV technology at a new world-class testing facility in Coventry
🔌 The Government is speeding up power connections for major growth projects, prioritising industry and AI data centres
📖 The Government is launching a new tool for schools and families to tackle the stigma of child poverty
🛡️ People smugglers face tougher laws, with the Government banning the online promotion of illegal migration and fake travel documents
🤝 The Government is strengthening communities and tackling extremism through a new national action plan
⚡ Britain is working with allies to stabilise oil markets, with the Government backing coordinated oil releases to protect households from price shocks
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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