Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update -25 September 2026
Updated: Sep 28
This week the Government has...
Met with President Trump in New York
The Prime Minister met President Donald Trump at the United Nations General Assembly this week. It was an important opportunity to strengthen the UK’s relationship with the US and speak directly about the issues affecting people here at home.
They discussed trade and investment, and the Prime Minister set out his ambition to rebuild British industry and create good jobs. They also discussed the conflict affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which is putting pressure on prices, and the need for a lasting peace in Ukraine.
The Prime Minister raised British citizen Jimmy Lai’s case and called for his immediate release. He also made clear that Britain will stand firm over the Falkland Islands.
Helped people stay in work
Every year, around 300,000 people leave work because of a health condition. Many want to keep working, but the right help does not arrive soon enough.
The Government is building Britain’s first Workplace Health System, bringing employers, the NHS and local services together to help people stay in work or return after illness. Sir Charlie Mayfield’s latest update shows this work taking shape in regions across the country, including the West Midlands. It will also help smaller businesses access workplace health support that has often been available only to larger employers.
Here in the West Midlands, Mayor Richard Parker’s West Midlands Works programme is part of that effort. By helping people get support earlier, we can protect their health and income, help businesses keep experienced staff and open up more opportunities for people who want to work.
Read more here: New plan for Britain’s first Workplace Health System - GOV.UK
Rolled out specialist courts for victims of Rape and sexual assault
The Government has announced victims of rape and sexual offences will get swifter access to justice as new specialist courts are rolled out across England and Wales.
Rape victims will have greater certainty about the process under multi-million pound overhaul which will see specialist rape and serious sex offences courtrooms rolled out across every Crown Court in England and Wales.
Measures will include specialist upgrades such as private waiting rooms and entrances for victims. Backed by a multi-million cash injection, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom that is especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years, with facilities equipped to pre-record evidence and observe sentencing remotely. It is hoped these measures will encourage more victims to come forward meaning more
perpetrators are held to account,
For too long, victims of rape and serious sexual offences have felt they were navigating a system that did not consider their needs for tailored support. In 2025, rape cases took an average of 424 days to complete once they reached the Crown Court, with too many victims withdrawing before their case is heard.
These changes will mean victims get better support and face fewer delays, as the government continues to take decisive action to tackle violence against women and girls and deliver the justice that victims deserve.
Read more here: Specialist rape courts rolled out across the country - GOV.UK
Announced new bereavement leave rights
The Government has confirmed new rights to bereavement leave from April 2027. Employees who lose a spouse or partner, parent, adult child or sibling will have a legal right to time off work. The right will also recognise step, half, adoptive, kinship care and foster relationships, reflecting the families people actually belong to.
Women and their partners who experience a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, including miscarriage or an unsuccessful IVF embryo transfer, will be entitled to up to two weeks of unpaid leave. Until now, there has been no legal right to bereavement leave for a loss at this stage of pregnancy.
I welcome this change. Losing someone you love is hard enough without having to negotiate for time to grieve. Campaigners and families have worked for years to get pregnancy loss recognised, and their voices have helped make these new rights possible.
Read more here: No one should have to fight for time to grieve” - New rights for family bereavement and pregnancy loss - GOV.UK
Announced plans for Vocational GCSEs
The Government has announced plans for new Vocational GCSEs alongside traditional GCSEs. Possible subjects include digital technology, building and construction, creative media production, business management and finance, and child development. The first qualifications are expected from September 2029, with English, maths and science remaining part of every pupil’s education.
The Government is also calling on employers to provide 200,000 additional work experience placements for 14 to 16 year olds. Young people need the chance to see what different jobs involve and where their skills could take them.
I meet too many young people who have left education without a clear route into work or further training. These changes can give pupils in Birmingham Edgbaston more ways to discover what they are good at and take their next step with confidence.
Read more here: New Vocational GCSEs unveiled in major shake-up to hands-on learning for teens - GOV.UK
Local News
Celebrating Life Sciences Week
Opening Life Sciences Week in Birmingham
I was proud to open Life Sciences Week in Birmingham and deliver the opening keynote. I began with a company in our own constituency: Nonacus in Quinton. Its work with the University of Birmingham and NHS teams on a urine test for bladder cancer shows what is possible when local science is focused on patients.
My message was clear. Britain is excellent at discovery, but we must get safe and effective innovations into NHS care faster and at scale. Patients should benefit sooner, and the research, skilled jobs and manufacturing that follow should grow here too.
I made the same case in an article I wrote for the New Statesman during the week. The Government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out the ambition to improve health and grow the sector. Birmingham has the universities, hospitals and businesses to help deliver it. I will keep making the case for turning that strength into better care for patients and more opportunity for our region.
Nonacus Visit
I chaired a panel with clinicians, researchers and patient representatives at Nonacus, a life sciences company based in Quinton, to discuss its GALEAS Bladder urine test.
In a study of 964 patients across seven NHS sites, the test detected more than nine in ten bladder cancers, including every muscle invasive cancer in the study. Researchers estimated that using it to identify who needs an urgent investigation could mean 730 fewer urgent cystoscopies for every 1,000 patients referred, compared with giving everyone an urgent cystoscopy.
That could spare many patients an invasive procedure while helping clinicians prioritise those at greatest risk. It is a powerful example of the difference an innovation developed here in Birmingham could make to NHS care.
Delivering Health Innovation across the NHS
I delivered the keynote at the Health Tech and Life Sciences Innovator Summit, hosted by Health Innovation West Midlands at the University of Birmingham’s PHTA Building.
I put a direct question to the room: when a technology has been shown to be safe, effective and good value, why does it still take so long for patients across the NHS to benefit? Innovators need a clear route from evidence to adoption, and the Government must deliver on its plans to make that happen.
We have a Health Innovation Network here in the West Midlands that connects NHS teams with researchers and businesses. I will continue working with Health Innovation West Midlands to help get promising ideas into everyday care, so patients benefit and skilled jobs grow in our region.
My New Statesman article - Britain must build the future here
During my time as Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, I met people developing remarkable new treatments and technologies. I also heard how difficult it can be to get proven innovations adopted across the NHS and to grow the companies behind them here in Britain.
That is the argument I make in my new article for the New Statesman. We have the science and talent. Now we need to turn more of it into better care for patients and skilled jobs in places like Birmingham.
Read my article here: https://www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/healthcare/innovation/2026/09/how-burnhams-britain-can-gain-the-edge-in-life-sciences
First Banking hub opened in Birmingham
After campaigning to protect access to face-to-face banking in Harborne, it was an honour to open Birmingham’s first Banking Hub on Harborne High Street.
The new Hub provides everyday banking services for customers of all major banks, including cash withdrawals and deposits, cheque deposits, bill payments and balance enquiries. Individual banks will also provide face-to-face appointments on dedicated days each week.
This is a significant achievement for Harborne and Birmingham. I promised residents I would fight to protect face-to-face banking, and I am delighted that together we have delivered Birmingham’s first Banking Hub for our high street.
I was pleased that this story was featured in Birmingham Post in print; please read below.
Read more here: Birmingham Edgbaston MP opens first Banking Hub in Birmingham
Green at Sir Richard's Drive Secured
When Calthorpe Estates put the Green on Sir Richard’s Drive up for sale, I wrote to local residents and called a public meeting to bring everyone together to find a solution. More than 130 people came. I continued working with Calthorpe Estates. Mark and Sally led the residents’ effort to buy the land for the community.
I am delighted that the Green has now been secured. Mark and Sally kept the community effort moving, and residents backed it by coming together around a shared plan to protect this much loved space. Mukesh of Murria Solicitors gave his legal expertise voluntarily to help turn that plan into a structure that could hold the Green for the community.
Thank you to Mark, Sally, Mukesh, Calthorpe Estates and every resident who played a part. This is a real achievement for Quinton.
Visiting Harborne and Quinton Air Cadets
I was delighted to visit 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Air cadets Squadron at Tennal Grange. It was lovely to meet the cadets and see their commitment firsthand. Thank you to the volunteers who give their time to support young people across our community.
If you are an adult and have a genuine desire to help serve your local youth community, please check out their website: 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron - Royal Air Force Air Cadets where further details on how to volunteer as staff are available.
No previous military experience is needed!
New construction skills academy planned for the West Midlands
A major new partnership is set to help tackle skills shortages in construction across the West Midlands.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the creation of a National Skills Academy for Construction in the region.
The agreement is part of CITB’s wider national initiative to build a stronger, more connected construction skills network across England. By bringing together employers, training providers, local authorities and industry partners, the programme aims to create more opportunities for people to start careers in construction while ensuring training reflects the needs of employers.
The need for skilled workers is significant. CITB forecasts show that the West Midlands will need to recruit more than 3,800 additional construction workers every year over the next five years to meet expected demand.
Read more here: New construction skills academy planned for the West Midlands
My Coffee with your MP - Saturday 26 September
Thank you to everyone who came to my coffee morning at Summerfield Church in North Edgbaston. It was good to hear what matters.
A special thank you to Katie, the vicar, and the volunteers for making us so welcome. I will be holding more coffee mornings across the constituency.
Harborne Library update
We met with the Council and local organisations earlier this month to discuss progress on the library. This was the first meeting since the spring while waiting for a building survey to be done and renovation works to be prepared and costed.
The detail of works and costs provided were very disappointing and indicated that the plan to close the library had still not gone away. What appeared as the age-old local government tactic estimating works way over anything affordable, a method known as “specifying gold plated taps”, had been used. They had managed to get the cost up to near a million pounds, way more than they had got. Fortunately, this tactic was recognised straight away and the Council challenged to go away and come back with something sensible.
Sadly, it means more delay to settling the future of the library and it shows that there is still a wish at the Council to close it. However, they have clearly got the message that the fight is still on to save the library, and we are not going away.
Birmingham must take action on Exempt accommodation
I have been campaigning for stronger action on exempt accommodation because, when supported housing works well, it changes lives. It gives someone leaving prison the chance to turn a corner, helps a person escape homelessness, and enables those dealing with addiction, poor mental health, or domestic abuse to rebuild their lives.
In 2021, I worked alongside local residents, Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police to secure the closure of Saif Lodge in North Edgbaston after serious concerns were raised about poor living conditions, inadequate support for vulnerable residents, and antisocial behaviour affecting the local community.
Birmingham has some excellent supported housing providers that offer safe accommodation, proper support, and a route towards independence. However, their work is being undermined by a broken system that has allowed unscrupulous operators to exploit vulnerable people and extract vast sums from the taxpayer.
We need to do more to support reputable providers while preventing exploitative operators from taking advantage of vulnerable people. Everyone deserves access to safe, high-quality supported housing that helps them move forward with their lives, and Birmingham cannot afford to wait any longer for action.
UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme 25-27 January 2027
Applications for the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme in January 2027 are now open. Teachers from schools and colleges across the UK are eligible to apply for the three-day immersive training programme, with the opportunity to hear from MPs and those working in key roles across UK Parliament. The tools developed will help teachers lay the foundation to gaining Teacher Ambassador status.
Deadline to apply is Sunday 1 November.
Find out more here: https://learning.parliament.uk/en/session-workshop/uk-parliament-teacher-ambassador-programme/
Community wins
As your local MP I represent our community and am determined to get things done. Constituents regularly contact me with issues that matter to them, and I work hard to raise these concerns with the organisations responsible and push for action. Here are some recent examples of the positive outcomes secured for local people across the constituency this week.
In Quinton
An elderly resident in her 80s contacted me about council-owned trees overhanging her garden, making it slippery and difficult to use safely. I raised the issue with Birmingham City Council, and a tree officer has now been arranged to visit and investigate.
In Harborne
A constituent got in touch after being wrongly issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). I took up the case with Birmingham City Council, and following a review, the PCN was cancelled.
If you have any issues you would like to raise with me please get in touch.
Phone: 0121 392 8426
Email: Preet.gill.mp@parliament.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 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.
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city.
Bartley Green | ||
Date | Location | Time |
31 October 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 8:00am to midday |
Harborne | ||
Date | Location | Time |
14 October 2026 | Grove Park, Harborne Park Road, B17 0BJ | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
North Edgbaston | ||
Date | Location | Time |
25 October 2026 | George Dixon Academy, Portland Road, B16 9GD | 8:00am to midday |
Quinton | ||
Date | Location | Time |
3 October 2026 | Quinton Park car park, Highfield Lane, B32 1QX | 8:00am to midday |
Ladywood (Close to North Edgbaston) | ||
Date | Location | Time |
26 September 2026 | Osler Street, B16 9EU | 8:00am to midday |
19 October 2026 | Osler Street, B16 9EU | 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
Cuppa with a Coppa
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 14 October 2026
St Francis Centre, Glen Side, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Quinton
Drop in Surgery
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 13 October 2026
Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW
Drop in Surgery
5:00PM - 6:00PM, Tue 10 November 2026
Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW
Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands Police
To receive regular updates about the police in your area, sign up for WM Now updates here.
Here’s some things from last week you may have missed:
Thousands more young people to access youth hubs
Fairer compensation for families affected by asbestos related diseases
No extra fare when your train is cancelled
Read last week's update here: Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update -18 September 2026
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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