Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update -25 September 2026
Updated: 3 hours ago
This week the Government has...
PM meets President Trump in New York
This week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham travelled to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, where he held his first face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump since becoming Prime Minister. Discussions focused on key international issues, including support for Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, trade and the future of UK-US relations.
The visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen the close relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. Both leaders spoke positively about the discussions, with Prime Minister Burnham highlighting the importance of working together to address shared global challenges and promote economic growth and security.Â
Strong international partnerships are vital in an increasingly uncertain world. By engaging with global leaders and championing cooperation on issues such as trade, security and innovation, the Government is working to ensure that Britain remains a leading voice on the international stage while delivering opportunities and prosperity at home.
Helping people stay in work
The Government has announced new plans to help people stay in work when their health changes, working closely with employers, health services and local partners.
Around 300,000 people leave work each year because of a health condition. Sir Charlie Mayfield's latest Keep Britain Working report sets out plans for Britain's first Workplace Health System, designed to provide support earlier and prevent people from leaving the workforce unnecessarily.
Having a health condition should not automatically mean losing your job. The programme is exploring practical ways to help people remain in work where possible, or return to work when they are ready, while also helping businesses retain skilled and experienced employees.
Read more here: New plan for Britain’s first Workplace Health System - GOV.UK
Specialist courts for victims of Rape and sexual assault
The Government has announced hundreds of 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
Bereavement leave
This week the Government announced that every worker will have the legal right to bereavement leave following the death of an immediate family member or pregnancy loss.
From April 2027, employees who have lost a spouse, partner, adult child or sibling will be entitled to two weeks bereavement leave. New measures will also bring stronger protections for women and their partners who experience pregnancy loss, extending Parental Bereavement Leave to pregnancy loss, including miscarriages, terminations and unsuccessful IVF embryo transfers before 24 weeks.
This Government is taking action and delivering a fundamental change that will give millions of working people the security and space that they need to process the loss of a family member. These changes are part of the Government’s plan to Make Work Pay, strengthening rights at work and giving families breathing room during the most difficult times.
Read more here: No one should have to fight for time to grieve” - New rights for family bereavement and pregnancy loss - GOV.UK
Vocational GCSEs announced
This week the Prime Minister Andy Burnham, announced that pupils are set to benefit from brand new Vocational GCSEs.
From 2029, Vocational GCSEs will sit alongside traditional GCSEs with the same standards and seriousness, but with a hands-on focus on real skills. Subjects include Business, Creative Media, Digital Tech, Child Development, and Construction, leading straight into A Levels, apprenticeships, or jobs.
On top of that, every 14 to 16 year old will get real work experience, 200,000 new placements across the country, so you can try before you pick a path.
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 address at Life Sciences Week
This week in Birmingham was Life Sciences Week, and I had the honour of speaking at the opening event.
During my time as Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, I saw first-hand how essential our life sciences sector is to public health, our communities, and economic growth. One of the greatest challenges we continue to face is ensuring that innovative healthcare solutions are adopted across the NHS and wider healthcare services.
In the West Midlands, we are fortunate to have some incredible innovators and inventors driving progress in the life sciences sector. I will continue to work with them to ensure that the Government supports innovation that improves the lives and health outcomes of people across the Midlands and beyond.
Nonacus visit
I joined experts, clinicians and patient representatives at Nonacus to discuss how innovative cancer diagnostics developed here in Birmingham can improve outcomes for patients. We explored how new bladder cancer testing could deliver faster diagnoses, reduce invasive procedures, and help ensure NHS patients benefit from proven medical innovations more quickly.
Address at Health Innovation summit
It was an honour to speak at Health Innovation West Midlands at the University of Birmingham's PHTA Building.
It was inspiring to speak with innovators who are driving change and improving lives across the UK through healthcare innovation.
My New Statesman article
I recently wrote in the New Statesman about the challenges we face in healthcare innovation and the opportunities to deliver better outcomes for patients.
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 this story was featured in Birmingham Post in print, read below.
Read more here:Â Birmingham Edgbaston MP opens first Banking Hub in BirminghamÂ
Green space secured for residents
When Calthorpe Estates gave the community the opportunity to purchase the Green on Sir Richard’s Drive, I arranged a public meeting in July so residents could hear directly from the Estate, ask questions and discuss how we could protect this valued local space.
More than 130 residents attended. Since then, I have continued working with Calthorpe Estates and keeping residents informed, while Mark, Sally and other local residents have led the community’s efforts to purchase the green. I am pleased that this has now been secured and the Green Space is a community asset.
Visiting Harborne and Quinton Air Cadets
I was delighted to visit the 485 Harborne and Quinton Air Cadets Squadron yesterday, where I saw the fantastic service and commitment of young cadets from across the Birmingham Edgbaston constituency.
If you are 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.
My Coffee with your MP- Saturday 26 September
Come along to my coffee morning on Saturday 26 September from 10am at Christ Church, Summerfield.
It is an opportunity to speak with me as your local MP about any issues or concerns you may have.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Check the location here: https://share.google/Gi8aRLojHwoTIFTa0
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 waited for a building survey to be done and renovation works to be prepared and costed.
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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.
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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.Â
Deadline to apply is Sunday 1 November.
Find out more here:Â https://learning.parliament.uk/en/session-workshop/uk-parliament-teacher-ambassador-programme/Â
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 8426Â
Email: Preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk Â
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 ÂŁ20 million Pride in Place investment should be spent.
After years of campaigning I've secured ÂŁ20 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.
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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. Â
Please complete the survey here.Â
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locationsÂ
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city. Â
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 PoliceÂ
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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