Preet Kaur Gill - My Weekly Update - 5 December
- Preet Kaur Gill MP
- Dec 5, 2025
- 6 min read
This Week the Government Announced...
Half a million children to be lifted out of poverty
Around 550,000 children will be lifted out of poverty by 2030 – the biggest reduction in a single parliament since records began – as the Government launches its Child Poverty Strategy today (Friday 5 December).
Following the reversal of the two-child limit, the strategy tackles the root causes of poverty by cutting the cost of essentials, boosting family incomes, and improving local services so every child has the best start in life.
Read more from the Prime Minister about the Government's plans here: KEIR STARMER: 'I'm proud we're lifting half a million kids out of poverty - this is our moral mission' - The Mirror
Environment Improvement Plan
This week, the Government published the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025.
The plan prioritises England’s natural environment and sets out actions to create a better future for our nature-rich habitats, waterways, and clean air. It provides a detailed roadmap of the steps we will take to meet these targets, including a long-term strategy for improving the environment and restoring nature. It also introduces new rules to tackle fly-tipping and initiatives to increase recycling in local communities.
This revised EIP commits to more ambitious targets and, unlike previous efforts, outlines the concrete actions required to deliver them. It establishes a clear framework showing how objectives and actions contribute to environmental outcomes, defines who is responsible for delivery, provides plans for meeting the Environment Act targets, and includes a transparent system for monitoring progress.
Read more here: A greener and more prosperous future with new Environmental Improvement Plan - GOV.UK
Fairer justice for Victims of rape
This Government is ensuring fair trials for victims. New justice laws will make courts safer, fairer, and free from harmful rape myths.
Too many rape victims walk away because they feel like they're on trial. This Government is changing the law scrapping the 'serial liar' defence and blocking irrelevant sexual history in court.
It can be difficult for victims to share their heart-breaking stories, often waiting years for justice. These reforms will ensure that victims receive the support they need.
Read more here: Rape victims in England and Wales to be protected from ‘serial liar’ trope in legal shake-up | Rape and sexual assault | The Guardian
VSAR announcement
Government has announced its decision to exempt vehicles used by UK Volunteer-led Search and Rescue (VSAR) organisations from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
VSAR teams - from Mountain Rescue and Lowland Rescue to Cave Rescue and specialist volunteer groups - are a critical part of the UK’s emergency infrastructure. They work alongside police, ambulance and fire services to save lives in some of the UK’s most remote and hazardous environments, and form a vital component of national resilience planning. This exemption will ensure they can affordably support our emergency services.
Best Start Family hubs - new SEND support
The Government has announced that every Best Start Family Hub will have a qualified Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) professionals and SEND-specific services, giving all families the right support at an early stage.
Early years support is key to giving children the best start in life. Many Edgbaston families are supported at the Doddington Children’s Centre as a one-stop-shop for all parents. It is great to see their services expanded and improved under this Government.
Read more here: Access to early SEND support through Best Start Family Hubs - GOV.UK
Government launches national conversation on SEND
The Government wants to hear your thoughts on SEND education. Launching a national conversation to engage families and educational professionals. Putting families at the heart of discussions to understand what reforms and policies need to be introduced to improve SEND for all.
To get involve visit the website: Government launches national conversation on SEND - GOV.UK
Co-op backs British business
Co-operative group has announced plans to “Back Britain” with a targeted £1 billion into the UK economy over the next 12 months, designed to back Britain’s consumers, businesses and high streets. The plan reinforces Co-op’s belief that responsible business must play its part in tackling the cost-of-living crisis, whilst also supporting Britain’s future growth ambitions. Co-op is introducing one of its biggest ever number of price reductions, cutting the cost of over 1,000 products.
Read more about the Co-op's plans here: Co-op backs Britain with £1 billion boost following Autumn Budget
Supporting Ukraine
This week, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the Government's support for Ukraine.
With the growing threats and global instability – it is essential we strengthen our response to Russia. The Foreign Secretary announced the UK is increasing military support to its highest-ever level of £4.5 billion, supporting military aid and economic pressure on Russia. The pledge is part of a £100 million humanitarian package announced in Kyiv, underlying the Government's commitment to Ukraine.
Landmark US-UK Pharmaceutical deal
This week the Government secured a deal with the US for pharmaceuticals which will benefit tens of thousands of NHS patients.
The deal – part of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal – sees the UK become the only country in the world to secure a zero percent tariff on pharmaceuticals to the US - protecting UK-based manufacturing and cementing our place as a world leader for life sciences investment.
Find out more about the deal here: Landmark UK-US pharmaceuticals deal to safeguard medicines access and drive vital investment for UK patients and businesses - GOV.UK
UK-Germany Rail link one step closer
Millions of passengers could benefit from quicker and more convenient travel across Europe as Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn (DB) have confirmed joint plans for a direct high-speed rail connection between Germany and London.
In a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed this week, both companies announced their intention to explore options to offer a direct service between London and major German cities, such as Cologne and Frankfurt.
Read more here: Plans for UK-Germany rail link move step closer | LBC
Local News
Proud to be a Care Aware MP
I'm proud to be a care aware MP, as a former Children services' Manager I know first hand the challenges young people face. I'm dedicated to supporting my young constituents in care or who have care experience to represent them in Parliament.
Big win for Baby Formula campaign
It is excellent to hear that the Government has introduced policies to make infant formula more affordable for families.
I’m proud to have campaigned for greater access to infant formula for all families, and I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement that formula will be cheaper through clearer guidance to retailers - helping families use loyalty points and vouchers. This will save families an average of £500 before a child’s first birthday.
This is a huge win for families across the UK.
Read more about my campaign in this article: Metro’s Formula for Change campaign heads to Downing Street | News UK | Metro News
Watch the Prime Minister's announcement in the video above.
Small business Saturday
This Saturday is Small Business Saturday, a great chance to celebrate the amazing small businesses that keep our communities thriving. We’ve got 3,575 small and medium-sized businesses right here in Edgbaston, and I’d love to see everyone pop into their local shops tomorrow.
Small businesses are the heart of our communities, they create jobs, support local families, and add uniqueness to our high streets.
Speaking directly with residents - advice surgeries
This week is surgeries week across my Constituency- an opportunity to speak directly with residents and listen to the concerns they have in our community.
To find more about my surgeries visit my website: Advice Surgeries | Preet Kaur Gill
If you missed last week’s budget, here’s eight things it will deliver:
💷 Cutting the cost of living with £150 on average off energy bills
🏥 Cutting NHS waiting lists with 250 new Neighbourhood Health Centres
💷 Freezing train fares and prescription charges
🍏 Scrapping the Two Child Limit to lift 450,000 children out of poverty
🍺 Supporting high streets with permanently lower tax rates for 750,000 retail and hospitality shops
⚖ Reforming property taxes so a £10m mansion doesn’t pay less than a terraced house in Blackpool
📚 Supporting the long-term youth unemployed, by offering a guaranteed six-month work placement for 18-21 year olds
⬇ This government is cutting borrowing every year so interest rates, cut 5 times since the election, can keep falling
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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