Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 6th March 2026
- Mar 5
- 12 min read
Updated: Mar 7
This Week the Government Announced...
Iran situation
In the past week we have seen a dangerous escalation across the Middle East, with increasingly reckless strikes from the Iranian regime targeting partners across the Gulf. Attacks on airports, military facilities and civilian infrastructure including hotels where British nationals are staying have put lives at risk and raised serious concerns about regional stability.
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, made clear that the United Kingdom was not involved in the initial US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The Government’s position remains that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, but that a negotiated diplomatic settlement is the best path to achieving lasting security and stability.
At the same time, the UK has taken practical steps to protect British interests and our allies in the region. British aircraft are currently operating as part of coordinated defensive operations to intercept threats and protect our people, our partners and key infrastructure. Security at UK bases and for British personnel has been raised to the highest level, and we are working closely with partners across the region to prevent further escalation.
The situation remains fast-moving, and people across the country will understandably be concerned for people in the region and for the many British nationals, including residents, holidaymakers and those in transit who have been advised to shelter in place.
Their safety remains the Government’s top priority. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has activated 24-hour consular support and is working to contact and assist British nationals on the ground, while continuing diplomatic efforts with international partners to reduce tensions and restore stability.
Consultation Open: DSIT new social media ban
This week the Government launched a consultation on the potential ban of social media for under 16s. As a former Children's Manager, I know how important it is to keep our children safe both online and offline.
I’m proud that this Government is determined to act and will not hesitate to make whatever changes are needed to keep our children safe.
The consultation will consider how children use digital technology as well as measures including:
setting a minimum age for children to access social media - and what age would be right
restricting risky functionalities and design features that encourage excessive use, such as infinite scrolling and autoplay
whether the digital age of consent should be raised
how age verification and age assurance technologies can support effective implementation
whether the guidance on the use of mobile phones in schools should be put on a statutory footing
better support for parents, including clearer guidance and simpler parental controls
We welcome responses from everyone, including children and young people, whose voices are central to this process.
The Government is taking feedback until 26th May 2026, to feed into the consultation visit: Growing up in the online world: a national consultation - GOV.UK
Read more here: Landmark consultation seeks views on major measures to protect children on social media, gaming platforms and AI chatbots - GOV.UK
Spring Statement - the right economic plan for Britain
The Spring Statement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out the Government's plan to grow the economy and ease the cost of living.
✅ £150 off energy bills
✅ Rail fares frozen
✅ Inflation falling faster than forecast
✅ Interest rates cut six times
✅ UK forecast to be the fastest-growing economy in the G7
This Government is delivering stability, growth and more money in people’s pockets.
Read more here: Spring Forecast 2026: The right economic plan for Britain - GOV.UK
Second reading of Representation of the People Bill
This week, the Representation of the People Bill reached its second reading in the House of Commons. The bill is the boldest and most ambitious change to our democracy for a generation, allowing 16 and 17 year olds the vote for the very first time in UK-wide elections.
Alongside introducing votes at 16, the reforms will toughen up rules on political donations and crack down on intimidation and abuse of those participating in public life. The reforms will keep our elections secure and encourage more people to engage and participate in our democracy. It is unacceptable for legitimate voters to be prevented/discouraged from voting. This bill will also permit the use of UK-authorised bank cards as accepted forms of voter ID in Great Britain. The bill will strengthen the powers of the Electoral Commission and provide clear deterrents against law breaking.
While the bill is being considered, the Public Bill Committee are calling for evidence, if you'd like to contribute please visit: Representation of the People Bill: call for evidence - UK Parliament
Child Cruelty Register
This week the Government tabled amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill to set up a new Child Cruelty Register.
Child cruelty offenders will have nowhere to hide, facing tougher and lasting consequences with the new register. Adults who subject children in their care to cruel, heartless crimes such as neglect and abandonment will be more closely monitored by police and face similar restrictions as registered sex offenders.
This could include having to inform police if they move house, change their identities, travel abroad or start living with children again after their sentence.
Read more here: New register for people convicted of child cruelty offences - GOV.UK
New immigration rules announced
This week, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out a series of new reforms aimed at tightening border controls and reshaping the UK’s migration system.
The government will open new safe and legal routes, beginning with a student refugee route launching in autumn 2027, alongside future work routes and an expanded community sponsorship model, building on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The UK will maintain generosity through legal channels, the government is focused on “restoring order and control” by reducing illegal crossings, limiting misuse of the asylum system, and easing pressure on asylum accommodation.
Read her full speech here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/home-secretarys-speech-on-immigration-5-march-2026
For further information visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1619-5-march-2026
World Book Day 2026
On World Book Day I am reminded how much I loved reading as a child. Books open up new worlds, spark imagination and build confidence.
I would encourage every child in my constituency to pick up a book today, use your book token, visit your local library and discover the joy of reading.
Read more here: Get Ready for World Book Day 2026 - World Book Day
Schools will be required to have stronger Allergy guidance
This week the Government announced that for the first time, schools in England will be legally required to follow stronger allergy guidance. Nearly 700,000 children in England have a food allergy, and their parents should be able to send them to school knowing that their allergies will be properly managed.
The new statutory requirements mean for the first time schools must have:
A dedicated allergy safety policy
Individual Healthcare Plans for affected pupils
Emergency adrenaline auto-injectors stocked as standard
Mandatory allergy awareness training for all staff
As well as saving lives, the new measures will help children stay in school, with 500,000 days of learning lost due to allergy-related illness or medical appointments in the last year alone.
Read more here: Stronger protections for children with allergies in school - GOV.UK
Local News
Iftar in North Edgbaston
It was a pleasure to attend the Iftar at Summerfield Community Centre on Saturday. Great to see our community come together and celebrate this Ramadan. We are fortunate to have such a united, supportive community here in North Edgbaston.
Quinton Post office closure
Quinton post office is set to close on Monday 23rd March due to the retirement of the current postmaster. I'm working with the post office to ensure residents have sufficient provisions for a post office local to them.
Read more here: Quinton B32 1AJ - 337201 - Post Office - Citizen Space
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.
Hagley Road Steering Group meeting
On Friday I met with teams from Birmingham City Council and Transport for West Midlands to discuss the Phase 1 plans to improve Hagley Road.
As chair of the steering group I am working with partners to ensure Phase 1 designs which include a crossing and improves connections for people who travel along Hagley Road every day.
Alongside this work, I am also making the case for the long-term future of the whole corridor so we properly consider tram and alternatives as part of the solution, building on the strong economic case for better rapid transit linking our communities.
Canada delegation meeting
It was an honour to welcome the Canadian delegation to the UK on Tuesday, including Kody Blois MP and Judy Sgro MP.
As Commonwealth partners and close allies, we discussed trade ties, expanding economic cooperation and working together on opportunities that deliver for our people.
EPOC Panel event
Great to deliver the keynote at the launch of the Empowering People of Colour (EPOC) Birmingham network at Deloitte.
We had an important conversation about leadership, resilience and why representation matters particularly on public private sector boards and in the senior roles where decisions are made.
Birmingham and the West Midlands have always been a place of ambition, innovation and opportunity. As our region continues to grow as a centre for finance and professional services, initiatives like EPOC play an important role in opening pathways for the next generation of leaders of all backgrounds.
Talent is everywhere our responsibility is to ensure opportunity is too.
Thank you to Moni Mannings, Juliet Halfhead and everyone who made the evening possible.
Read more here: EPOC – Empowering People of Colour
Marie Curie -Daffodil Appeal
On Wednesday I joined Marie Curie nurses and Celebrity Ambassador Alison Steadman to raise awareness for the Great Daffodil Appeal.
We discussed the current levels of unmet need in palliative and end of life care, and the changes needed to ensure everyone receives the care and support they deserve.
Read more about the campaign here ➡️ https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil1
MPHERoes event
I was proud to nominate Ann Tonks as one of my MPHERoes.
Ann is the co-owner of Chapter Restaurant on Greenfield Crescent in Edgbaston, serving fantastic high-quality food and helping make our local hospitality scene thrive.
I admire her resilience and everything she does to support the hospitality sector in Edgbaston.
Read more here 👉 https://www.mpheroes.com/2026-mps-heroes/ann-tonks
World Animal Protection
On Wednesday I attended a drop-in with World Animal Protection to discuss how we can strengthen protections for animals used in tourism.
The Act gives the power to ban UK companies from selling or advertising cruel wildlife tourist activities abroad,
Ensuring strong protections for animals both at home and through the choices we make when travelling is an important part of raising welfare standards globally.
And yes I even came away with my own caricature!
Centenary action - women in politics event
Inspired by the suffragettes and suffragists, Centenary Action was established by Helen Pankhurst CBE, granddaughter of Sylvia and great-granddaughter of Emmeline, in 2018 to mark the centenary of some women getting the right to vote and to take action over the following 10 years to deliver a gender equal parliament by 2028.
Wonderful to attend their event ahead of International women’s day and speak to students from university of Birmingham, women in politics group, girl guiding and many young women from across the country on why they should stand.
Surgeries
My Advice surgeries for March started this week, my next surgeries will be on Thursday 12th March. They are an opportunity for constituents to meet me and my team to discuss any issues or concerns they have in the area. Full timings and locations for surgeries are listed below.
Surgeries Thursday 12th March 2026
Edgbaston: 10:30-11:30am: Edgbaston Community Centre, 40 Woodview Drive, B15 2HU
Bartley Green: 12:00-1:00pm: Newman University, Genners Lane, B32 3NT
In the meantime, if you have any issues, please contact me on email preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk or call 0121 392 8426.
Closure on Rotton Park Road for pothole repair
After successful campaigning, the Council will be closing Rotton Park Road to make much needed pothole repairs from Sunday 8th March at 12pm until Wednesday 11th March 5pm.
All cars must be moved on Sunday between 3pm - 6pm, with access being restricted from Sunday at 12pm. If you use this road regularly please find an alternative route during this period.
If you have any concerns or questions please do get in contact with me call 0121 392 8426 or email preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk
Exempt accommodation on Fleming Road
This week I wrote to residents on Fleming Road around concerns about supported exempt accommodation property on the road. I contacted the Council's Exempt Accommodation Team to raise the condition and management of the property.
I've been informed a three-week timeframe has been set for the completion of the required works.
Please see the full letter here: Letter to residents regarding Fleming Road
I recently raised concerns about exempt accommodation in Westminster Hall, please see above.
QE parking
This week I wrote to residents around Queen Elizabeth Hospital to update them on the parking scheme, following recent queries from several residents regarding delays.
The council has confirmed that Area 3B will procure a contractor with construction expected to start early this year.
Read the full letter here: Letter to residents on QE Parking
Care Champions Programme at Brandwood Centre
The Care Champions Programme is coming to the Brandwood Centre, and is open to anyone over 19, living in Birmingham and not in work. They are offering tailored training for individuals who aspire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with diverse health and care needs. Providing participants with the skills and knowledge for employment in health and social care roles.
If you're interested please call calling 0121 443 3310 and speak to a member of the team or email alison@brandwoodcentre.co.uk.
Community month of action to reconnect people with nature
The Nature Call to Action campaign is the latest initiative in a plan launched last year by Mayor Richard Parker to protect and enhance nature while unlocking benefits to the health, wellbeing, and prosperity of communities and businesses.
Thousands of people across the West Midlands will get the chance to roll up their sleeves and reconnect with nature as a new campaign gets under way.
Thirteen community groups have been awarded a share of £30,000 to put on a packed programme of free events throughout March, helping even more people discover and improve the green spaces on their doorstep.
The Nature Call to Action campaign is the latest initiative in a plan launched last year by Mayor Richard Parker to protect and enhance nature while unlocking benefits to the health, wellbeing, and prosperity of communities and businesses.
A month of hands-on activities will include restoring wildlife habitats, planting trees and opening up hidden urban green spaces for more people to enjoy.
The full list of events is online at www.wmca.org.uk/nature-call-to-action-campaign.
Blue Coat School celebrates NACE Challenge Award accreditation
I'm delighted to share that Blue Coat School in Edgbaston has been given the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) Challenge Award. The award is given for high quality work in challenging all children, to achieve their best.
Congratulations to all students and staff - keep up the hard work!
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city.
Here are the next dates in the constituency:
Bartley Green | ||
10 March 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
Quinton | ||
11 March 2026 | Quinton Park car park, Highfield Lane, B32 1QX | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
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 - MILEBROOK HALL
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Thu 12 March 2026
Milebrook Hall, 143-151 Field Lane, Birmingham
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
Quinton
PC Drop in session - Quinton Library
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 10 March 2026
Quinton Library
Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands Police
Change in North Edgbaston polling station
Please be aware that the polling station for North Edgbaston will be changing in May. For those who used George Dixon Primary School to vote in 2024, the new venue will be St Germain's Church on City Road.
For more information about polling stations visit: Check your polling station | Birmingham City Council
My WhatsApp channel
I’m excited to share I’ve launched a new 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 5 things the Government is delivering for England:
💡£117 off Energy bills in April
📑 A landmark upgrade to workers’ rights
🏬 New rights for 9 million renters
🏥 NHS waiting lists continuing to fall
👧 Lifting half a million children out of poverty
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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