Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 10th July 2026
- Jul 10
- 15 min read
Updated: Jul 11
This week the Government has delivered...
Free breakfast clubs announced starting September 2026
I am delighted that the Government has announced funding for three more free breakfast clubs in Birmingham Edgbaston.
City Road Primary School and George Dixon Primary School in North Edgbaston, along with Welsh House Farm Community School in Harborne, will launch free breakfast clubs from September 2026.
They join eight schools already offering free breakfast clubs in the constituency, meaning eleven local schools providing children with a healthy start to the school day.
Since 2024, the Government’s free breakfast club programme has served more than 10 million breakfasts to children across England. The scheme is helping families save up to £450 a year while giving children the best possible start to the school day.
As a former pupil of City Road Primary School, I am especially pleased to see it benefit from this investment. As an ex- children’s services manager in Birmingham, I know that a good breakfast improves concentration and gives children the best chance to succeed.
Free breakfast clubs are easing pressure on family budgets, supporting working parents and helping every child start the school day well fed and ready to thrive.
Alongside breakfast clubs, the Government is also acting to reduce the cost of school uniforms and expand support for families as part of our wider mission to break down barriers to opportunity.
Early Victims’ Right to Review scheme
Victims of rape and serious sexual offences across England and Wales will now have greater protection under a new national scheme being rolled out by the Government.
The Early Victims’ Right to Review gives eligible victims the opportunity to have a decision to stop their case reviewed by a different Crown Prosecutor before that decision becomes final. If the reviewing prosecutor concludes the original decision was wrong, the prosecution can continue.
Until now, this has only been available as a pilot in four Crown Prosecution Service areas, including the West Midlands. Following positive feedback from victims and evidence that some cases were able to proceed after review, the scheme is now being extended nationwide.
This is an important step in putting victims at the heart of the justice system. Too often, victims have felt powerless when a case was dropped, with little opportunity to challenge the decision before it was too late. The new process gives victims a meaningful voice at a critical stage and helps build confidence that decisions are fair, thorough and subject to proper scrutiny.
The national rollout forms part of the Government’s wider commitment to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, ensuring victims are treated with dignity, their voices are heard, and they have greater confidence in the criminal justice system.
Read more here: Solicitor General announces national rollout of Early Victims’ Right to Review scheme - GOV.UK
Reforming Children’s Social Care to Put Children First
The Government is taking the next step in reforming children’s social care to ensure more children grow up in safe, stable and loving homes.
New Regional Care Cooperatives are being rolled out across England, including in the West Midlands, giving councils greater control over children’s placements. The aim is to reduce children’s reliance on expensive private providers, tackle profiteering in the care market, and ensure more children can stay closer to their families, schools and communities.
The Government is also expanding support for foster carers, with new Fostering Hubs and practical help for families who want to create space to care for more children. This forms part of our commitment to create 10,000 new foster placements during this Parliament.
For children with the most complex needs, a new £23.1 million Home Again programme will bring together social care, health, education and youth justice services around a single, personalised plan. The goal is to provide the right support at the right time and reduce the need for highly restrictive placements.
As a former children’s services manager, I know the difference that stable relationships and the right support can make to a child’s future. These reforms are about putting children’s needs first, supporting foster families, and building a care system that delivers better outcomes while ensuring public money is spent where it should be on children, not excessive profits.
Major overhaul on Veterinary regulation
This week the Government announced it would be delivering the biggest veterinary regulation in over 60 years, modernising a system that has failed to keep pace with the needs of pet owners, animals and veterinary professionals.
Millions of pet owners will benefit from greater transparency over veterinary costs, helping them make informed choices and avoid unexpected bills. Veterinary practices will be soon required to publish prices for common treatments, be clear about ownership arrangements and provide better information about available treatment options. This will be supported by an enhanced 'Find a Vet' service and a £21 cap on written prescription fees. This will make sure owners know key prices beforehand to help them choose the best value for money.
In addition, every veterinary business will be subject to stronger oversight through licensing, inspections and published compliance information – similar to GP surgeries and care homes. Veterinary nurses will gain legal recognition for the first time, helping improve professional status, retention and career development.
Waste reform
New reforms are set to tighten the net on waste criminals with tougher sentences for those illegally dumping waste, and advanced background checks to help put rogue operators out of business.
Underpinned by the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, rules being laid this week will require waste handlers to prove they are qualified to transport waste.
The current registration system is broken and outdated, relying on a basic registration process with limited identity and background checks. This has been exploited by rogue operators with a poor track record of dumping waste and leaving a huge clean-up bill.
The new and tougher permit-based system will be brought into force in 2027, and require waste handlers to undergo identity, criminal record and technical checks before receiving a permit. They will also need to display their permit number in advertising, including on their vans, making it easier for the public to report unlicensed operators.
Adjournment Debate - Patient Safety Review
As Minister for Patient Safety, I know that when things go wrong, patients and families need to know their voices have been heard and that lessons lead to real change.
This Government is focused on turning investigations into action. I responded to adjournment debate on HSSIB.
Watch the full clip here: 06 July 2026 | House of Commons debate on HSSIB with Minister Preet Kaur Gill
Lords Committee
As Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, I gave evidence to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee on how we can harness innovation to transform the NHS.
My message was clear: innovation must improve outcomes for patients, support our workforce and help build an NHS that prevents illness earlier, delivers better care and is fit for the future.
Watch the full clip here: https://youtu.be/3ACjsQfCMbI
NHS GP patient survey
Results from a NHS GP patient survey show this Government is improving the NHS. The data reveals the Government's changes are working. Patients’ overall experience of GP practices, NHS dental services and community pharmacies has significantly improved since July 2024.
Almost 77% of the public now describe their GP experience as good, while 73.5% say the same of NHS dental services and 89% of pharmacy services. Our commitment to tackling the 8am scramble is also beginning to show. More than half of patients now describe contacting their GP practice as easy, up from 47.5% when we took office to 56.3% today.
Almost 8 in 10 patients have used an online GP service in the past year, and 31% of people are using the NHS App to contact their GP, compared with 22% in 2025 and 17% in 2024. Proof that Labour is turning the digital tide.
81.5% of patients who tried to get an NHS dental appointment in the last 2 years have been able to do so - a 3.3% increase on last year. At the same time, fewer patients are being told that dental practices are not accepting new NHS patients or have no appointments available.
Read more here: 2026 GP Patient Survey results released | Ipsos
Local News
Organ Education Donation speech
It was a pleasure to support Organ Donation Education’s Learning That Lives On campaign in Parliament.
Meeting Charlie and hearing how his own kidney transplant journey inspired him to educate young people about organ donation was incredibly powerful.
This issue is personal to me. My nephew spent years on dialysis before receiving a life-changing kidney transplant.
By improving awareness and education, we can start more conversations and help more people understand the gift of organ donation.
ABHI reception
It was great to speak at the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) parliamentary reception on Monday about how this Government is committed to working with the HealthTech industry to improve adoption of innovation in the NHS. This will ensure patients benefit from the best of British science and support skilled jobs.
Roundtable on HealthTech SMEs
This week I bought together, ABHI, Tech UK, BIVDA, BHTA, AXREM and Start-up Coalition to discuss potential of HealthTech SMEs. Innovation is happening in every part of the UK. By backing SMEs, we can help them grow, create jobs and deliver technology that supports care for NHS patients.
Pride in Place event - Newman University
It was wonderful to welcome local residents to Newman University for our Pride in Place event last night.
I have secured £20 million in Government funding for Pride in Place in Woodgate and Bartley Green – led by you, for you.
We heard some fantastic ideas about how the funding could be used, and how we can improve our community.
Thank you to everyone who attended and to Pete West, our Independent Chair, for co-hosting the event with me.
If you'd still like to share your thoughts, my survey is still open:
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.
Meeting with Minister Patrick Vallance
Great to join Lord Patrick Vallance at the University of Birmingham Health Innovation Campus alongside Al Carns MP and Laurence Turner MP.
Birmingham is at the forefront of life sciences from medtech and diagnostics to research and new innovations that can transform patient care.
By bringing together our world-class universities, NHS and industry, we can turn cutting-edge ideas into real solutions that improve lives and support growth.
Proud to see the groundbreaking work happening here in our city.
Justice for Dea-John Reid
A very emotional meeting with my constituent Joan Morris and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
Joan’s son Dea-John Reid was just 14 years old when he was stabbed and killed in Birmingham.
Joan has shown extraordinary courage turning unimaginable loss into a campaign for change.
We met with the DPM to discuss calls for jury reform, strengthening civic engagement with Black communities, and important research being led by the University of Birmingham.
Dea-John’s life mattered. Listening to families like Joan’s must be at the heart of how we build trust.
Calthorpe residents - Land sale
Many residents across Edgbaston have contacted me about the proposed sale of land and assets by Calthorpe Estates, including green spaces, areas with trees and private roads.
I understand why residents are concerned. People rightly want reassurance that the green spaces they value are protected, and that any future arrangements for private roads and shared areas are fair, transparent and managed in the interests of the communities who live there.
Over the past few weeks I have been working directly with residents, residents’ groups and Calthorpe Estates to focus on practical solutions. Last week I attended a meeting with Calthorpe Estates and residents to discuss these concerns directly, and I also joined the public meeting at Edgbaston High School where more than 300 residents came together to discuss the issue.
I was pleased that I was able to work with residents to secure land on Hampshire Drive. There are further discussions ongoing about other areas and how residents can have a greater role in the future ownership and management of roads and shared green spaces.
I have been clear with Hayden Cooper, Chief Executive of Calthorpe Estates, that where Calthorpe intends to sell its interests, residents should be given the opportunity to explore taking ownership or management of these assets themselves.
Hayden has confirmed that roads and green spaces will be treated separately. For road sales, residents will receive three months’ notice before any proposed sale. This provides important time for residents to consider the options available.
There are different ways residents could come together to manage roads and shared spaces, rather than approaching this street by street. These are complex issues and it is important we take the time to get this right. I want to thank the Calthorpe Residents Society for recognising the complexity of this, bringing residents together and organising workshops to explore practical solutions. I will continue working closely with them and local residents.
The Government is also taking action nationally to give homeowners greater control over the places they live. Through our reforms to leasehold and commonhold, we want to move away from outdated models where residents have too little say over the management of their homes, shared spaces and the services they rely on.
The reforms include making commonhold the default tenure for new flats, giving homeowners collective ownership and control, alongside stronger protections for residents on privately managed estates where they contribute towards the upkeep of shared areas such as roads and green spaces.
While the Calthorpe Estate situation has its own specific legal circumstances, the principle is the same: residents should have transparency, fairness and the opportunity to have a real voice in how the places they call home are managed.
I know there has also been some concern because of discussions about land in other areas, including Quinton, I have written to residents.
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.
Harborne Banking Hub Set to Open Following Years of Local Campaigning
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.
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
Meeting with National Highways
On Tuesday, I met with National Highways to discuss tree planting along the M5 where trees were previously removed. I asked for a on-site meeting as the trees were not adequately planted, the visit will look at the growth of the existing planting and potential spots for new trees to be planted. I'll continue to monitor the progress of the plans and keep residents updated.
In the media
I was pleased to see the spotlight on Genedrive's rapid genetic testing technology, which is helping to prevent antibiotic-induced hearing loss in newborns and shows how innovation can deliver safer, more personalised care across the NHS.
Read the article here: https://kalkinemedia.com/uk/news/announcements/uk-health-minister-praises-genedrives-rapid-pharmacogenetic-testing-in-parliamentary-hearing
Supporting dementia research remains a priority for me, and I was proud to speak at Alzheimer’s Research UK’s parliamentary event highlighting the need for continued investment, innovation and better access to future treatments.
Read the article here: https://thecareruk.com/alzheimers-research-takes-its-call-for-greater-investment-to-westminster/
The growing adoption of rapid genetic testing across NHS hospitals demonstrates the potential of precision medicine to improve outcomes, and I will continue working to ensure patients benefit from the latest healthcare innovations. Read the article here: https://uk.advfn.com/market-news/article/19258/genedrive-receives-ministerial-recognition-as-nhs-broadens-rapid-genetic-testing-programme-gdr
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.
St Faith & St Laurence Church, Harborne - Messy Club Summer Fun Day
When: Saturday 11th July from 11AM to 12:30PM
Where: St Faith & St Laurence in Harborne B17 8RD
Come along to St Faith & St Laurence Church in Harborne for Messy Club crafting fun from 11am until 12.30pm , then stay for the church's annual barbeque. Messy Club is free, the barbeque tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for 5- to 15-year-olds and free for children under 5.
Find out more here: St Faith & St Laurence Harborne - A Church Near You
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
Job Fair - Wednesday 15 July
On Wednesday 15th July – Severn Trent is hosting its biggest Big Boost for Brum event, at St. Andrews at Knighthead Park, Cattell Road B9 4RL.
We’re joined by big employers such as Barclays, Cadent, EE, Birmingham Airport, Royal Navy - with many more to be announced. The Job’s Fair runs from 10am to 2pm and we’re expecting hundreds of job seekers to attend on the day.
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
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. I'll be sharing details on my next surgeries shortly.
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 - 8:00PM, Fri 24 July 2026
Location to be confirmed
Quinton
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:
£15 Billion boost for defence
£3,000 Jobs Grant for local businesses
20 Asylum Hotels closed across country
Breaking the link between gas and electricity prices
Women in research charter
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
Thank you for providing such a transparent and thorough breakdown of your parliamentary activities community engagements and local development meetings because staying informed about policy progress helps residents actively participate in municipal improvement initiatives. Seeing consistent updates on public services housing and regional infrastructure projects gives community members great confidence that their voices are being effectively represented in parliament. I am so sorry if this looks incredibly strange but my mobile browser just glitch-pasted an unrelated link from my open background tabs where I was checking a game on griffoncasino-uk.com right before I hit post on this UK community portal so please just ignore that copy paste mishap.