Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 26th June 2026
- 7 hours ago
- 11 min read
This Week the Government has delivered...
Backing high streets with acceleration of cheap import reforms and crackdown on dodgy online sellers
This week the government set out tax and customs reforms to make the system fairer, simpler and digital first. Accelerating plans to scrap the duty relief on cheap imports and introduce new controls, supporting fair competition between high street and online retailers.
To back the high street, the government is bringing forward changes to low value imports by six months in a move that targets cheap imports and puts Britain’s high streets first.
These changes ensure fairer competition between high street and online retailers. The government has since listened to industry and chosen to accelerate delivery of the reforms by six months to October 2028.
Meanwhile, with high street businesses frequently undercut by online-only sellers who dodge their tax obligations, minsters are reviewing how VAT is collected for businesses trading through online marketplaces.
A few months ago I spoke in Parliament about the dodgy bob shops blighting our high streets, watch the full clip above.
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-backs-high-street-with-acceleration-of-cheap-import-reforms-and-crackdown-on-dodgy-online-sellers
Prime Minister
On Monday the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer announced his resignation. Public service comes with immense personal sacrifice, not only for those who serve but their families too. I want to thank Keir Starmer his family for everything they have given.
He has served our country with decency, determination and integrity, always putting Britain first.
I wish all the best, and will look forward to working with our new Prime Minister once appointed.
Great British Summer VAT
This Thursday (25 June) the Government launched Great British Summer Savings which means more savings for families across Birmingham Edgbaston.
The scheme includes the following measures:
VAT Cut on Activities and Dining: VAT is temporarily reduced from 20% to 5% from June 25 to September 1. This applies to tickets for theme parks, zoos, museums, fairs, soft play, cinemas, theatres, concerts, and children's meals in restaurants and cafés.
Free Bus Travel: Children and teens aged 5–15 in England can ride local buses for free throughout August.
Other Cost-of-Living Support: The government is also suspending certain basic food import tariffs and extending the fuel duty freeze
Read more here: Great British Summer Savings: VAT slashed to save families money on days out - GOV.UK
Ban on Conversion therapy
This week the Government outlined a bill to ban conversion therapy for the LGBT+ community.
The drafted Conversion Practices Bill will deliver a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices.
The proposed ban will define the criminal threshold for conversion practices as conduct that aims to change someone’s sexual orientation or transgender identity through abusive acts that seriously harm, alarm or distress the victim.
Abusive acts can range from physical abuse such as beating a person in an attempt to change their identity, to psychological abuse which degrades or manipulates someone, in order to change their identity, to coercive control over the individual’s everyday movements and finances.
The draft legislation includes the following criminal offences:
Carrying out abusive conversion practices that cause serious harm to the victim.
Encouraging or assisting an abusive conversion practice performed outside England and Wales.
Read more here: Government pushes forward with conversion practices ban to protect LGBT+ people from abuse - GOV.UK
Farming Roadmap
The Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, on Wednesday (24th June) published the Farming Roadmap, Farming 2050: Growing England’s Future, setting a clear direction for a profitable, productive, sustainable and resilient farming sector through to 2050.
This marks a decisive break from decades of short-term, year-to-year policymaking. For the first time, farming is being backed by a clear long-term plan that looks beyond the next harvest to the future of the sector.
It brings together existing strategies affecting farming into one framework, aligning policies on land use, environment, climate, animal health and food into one coherent approach.
It sets out how government will support the sector, and what it expects from farmers and the wider supply chain, providing a shared plan for delivery.
It makes an explicit commitment, for the first time, that domestic food production will be maintained at least at current levels in England. This will be achieved through targeted land use change, protecting the most productive land for food.
The plan is structured around three outcomes:
profitable and productive farm businesses
environmental and sectoral sustainability
resilient farm businesses
Alongside the Roadmap, the Government has published its response to Baroness Minette Batters’ independent Farming Profitability Review, including a £123 million investment in innovation this year to help farmers harness new technology and improve productivity.
Read more here: The Farming Roadmap – The Farming Blog
Homebuying shake-up to slash delays, cut costs and stop sales falling through
Buying and selling a home is set to become faster, cheaper, and less stressful under major reforms unveiled this week to cut delays, reduce and digitalise paperwork, and stop sales collapsing.
At a time when families are feeling the squeeze, new changes will cut homebuying times by around four weeks, save first-time buyers an average of £650, and stop the nasty surprises that cost time, money, and heartbreak. This will ensure the chance to own a home isn’t determined by who can afford to take the biggest risk.
Sellers and estate agents will have to provide key information upfront in ‘sales packs’ at the point of listing. This will set out a home’s condition, leasehold costs, and chain status so buyers can make informed decisions, and property professionals can get to work sooner – while creating a fairer, more transparent process for everyone involved.
Changes will also see new earlier binding agreements to stop parties walking away months into negotiations without a legitimate reason. This will help to give young people confidence in the system and better plan for their next steps, not put them on hold.
In addition, a new Code of Practice will raise standards for estate agents, alongside proposals for mandatory qualifications for the sector which could ensure agents are properly equipped to support efficient transactions and rebuild trust in the sector.
With the average home purchase taking around 120 days, one in three sales falling through costing sellers around £400 million per year, and failed transactions costing the economy up to £1.5 billion every year – these reforms will fix a broken system.
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/homebuying-shake-up-to-slash-delays-cut-costs-and-stop-sales-falling-through
Seventh Carbon Budget
This government is delivering world-leading climate action, driving jobs, growth and investment into every corner of the UK.
With the implementation of The Seventh Carbon Budget, this Government is setting an achievable and pragmatic target for long-term emissions reduction, building on the framework that has secured billions of private investment and economic growth since 2008.
The government is moving at pace to electrify Britain and deliver clean, homegrown energy, to unlock greater energy security, lower bills for good, cleaner air, thousands of good jobs and action on the climate crisis.
Windrush Day
This week we commemorated Windrush Day, a day to honour the pioneering generation who answered Britain’s call when the country needed them most.
They arrived in the United Kingdom as British citizens, carrying British passports from territories that were then part of the British Empire and Commonwealth. They came not as strangers, but as members of the British family.
They worked tirelessly and made extraordinary contributions that helped rebuild the nation after the Second World War. Their labour, sacrifice, and determination helped put the “great” into Great Britain.
Yet alongside their contributions came injustice. Many faced discrimination, exclusion, and prejudice. They encountered barriers to housing, employment, education, and even the practice of their faith. Their stories of hardship and resilience must never be forgotten.
We celebrate their resilience. We celebrate their organisational skills, their perseverance, and their courage in challenging and overcoming the barriers.
Read more here: Windrush Day 2026 - House of Commons Library
Mental Health - Westminster Hall debate
Mental health should be treated with the same seriousness, and urgency as physical health.
In Westminster Hall, I responded to Liz Twist’s important debate on parity of esteem between mental and physical health, setting out how this Government is expanding Mental Health Support Teams in schools, increasing the mental health workforce and improving access to support for children and young people.
Watch my speech above.
Local News
New Banking hub in Harborne
After years of campaigning to keep bank provisions in Harborne, I am pleased I have secured this significant win for our High Street.
When banks started closing their doors on our High Street, residents told me loud and clear that they were worried about losing access to essential banking services.
I was determined that Harborne would not simply be abandoned as bank after bank disappeared from our High Street.
The opening of this Banking Hub is the result of my sustained campaigning with local residents.
Read more here: https://www.preetkaurgill.co.uk/post/preet-gill-mp-secures-harborne-banking-hub-after-years-of-fighting-bank-closures
Pride in Place event - Thursday 9 July
I campaigned to secure £20 million Government investment for Woodgate and Bartley Green, now it’s your chance to help decide how it’s spent.
Join me and Pete West, Chair of the Neighbourhood Board on Thursday 9 July to discuss how we invest this funding to restore pride in our area.
Event details:
Date: Thursday 9 July 2026
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green B32 3NT
Unable to attend? Share your views in my survey here: https://forms.gle/GBG6YJDmCpi7i1or7
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.
Trip to San Diego
This week I was fortunate to represent the UK at BIO2026 in San Diego as Minister for Health Innovation and Safety. Championing British innovation and making the case that the UK is the best place to discover, develop and invest in life sciences.
It was great to meet UK and US biotech leaders at the UK Pavilion at BIO2026. Hearing directly from businesses about the opportunities ahead reinforces why the UK is one of the best places in the world to invest, innovate and grow. Together we can go even further.
It was a pleasure to meet Governor Tim Walz at BIO2026. Under his leadership Minnesota has built a world leading life sciences and med-tech ecosystem. It was great to discuss collaboration between our two life sciences sectors to grow our economies and improve health outcomes.
Maggie's cancer charity - expansion in Birmingham
I’m delighted to welcome plans for a new Maggie's Centre in my constituency, next to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
For anyone facing cancer, the impact goes far beyond treatment alone. Maggie’s provides free expert support for people with cancer, as well as their families and loved ones, offering practical advice, emotional support and a place to turn during some of life’s most difficult moments.
This is a hugely important development for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. Our region continues to have some of the lowest cancer survival rates in the country, while the number of people receiving a cancer diagnosis is rising. Having a Maggie’s Centre alongside the Queen Elizabeth Hospital will ensure more people can access the support they need, closer to home.
My thanks to the Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust, Maggie’s and all those who have worked to make this vision a reality. This new centre will make a real difference to patients and families across our region.
Bonuses for nursery teachers in Birmingham Edgbaston
Every child deserves the best start in life.
I’m pleased Birmingham will benefit from a new Government scheme offering £4,500 incentives to help nurseries recruit and retain qualified teachers.
As a former Children’s Manager, I know how important high-quality early years education is. This investment will help more children be school ready and support families to access funded childcare worth up to £8,000 a year.
Read more here: Preet Kaur Gill MP welcomes launch of £4,500 bonus to attract graduate teachers to Birmingham Edgbaston nurseries
World cup 2026 - Write to the Squad!
With 2026 World Cup fever taking hold across England, Royal Mail is encouraging children and young adults aged 4–18 years of age to send letters of support to the 2026 England World Cup Squad. Letters can be sent, free of charge, to the 2026 England World Cup Squad by writing to World Class Letters, Freepost England.
As part of the campaign, letters submitted from 18 June to 19 July, will be entered into a prize draw, with winning entries securing £1,500 to spend on sports kit for a nominated school or sports club.
Letters should be submitted by a parent, guardian or teacher. Entrants should supply a return address or contact details to be automatically entered into the Prize Draw.
Find out more here: www.royalmail.com/worldclassletters
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
Join my team
I'm currently recruiting for a Research Officer (London-Based) and a Campaigns Officer (Constituency-based) to join my team, full details can be found here: Job vacancies | Preet Kaur Gill
Surgeries
This month I held my advice surgeries across the constituency, I want to thank everyone who came to speak with me and for raising issues that matter to them. My next surgeries will be held in July.
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.
Bartley Green
Bike register event
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Sun 28 June 2026
Woodgate Valley Car Park, Bartley Green
Cuppa with a Coppa
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 08 July 2026
St Francis Centre, Glen Side, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Cuppa with a Coppa
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Thu 09 July 2026
Milebrook Hall, Field Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Edgbaston
PACT Meeting
6:00PM - 8:00PM, Fri 24 July 2026
Location to be confirmed
Quinton
Pact Meeting
6:00PM - 8:00PM, Tue 30 June 2026
Quinborne Community Centre, 80 Ridgacre Rd, Quinton, Birmingham
Drop in Surgery
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 14 July 2026
Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, 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:
📱Announced plan to ban social media platforms from offering services to under-16s
🛑New legislation to strength Britain's ability to tackle hostile activity
🏠Introduced insourcing to bring back vital staff in-house
❤️Remembered legacy of Jo Cox
📈Kept inflation is steady at 2.8%
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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