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The Government is calling on businesses and stakeholders across the country to feed into its Plan for Steel Consultation, which will inform the development of the Steel Strategy.  Government plans to fortify UK steelmaking have been welcomed by Preet Kaur Gill MP as a crucial step to protect the proud industrial heritage in communities across the country. The Steel Strategy – launched by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds earlier this month – will look at the long-term issues facing the industry like high electricity costs, unfair trading practices, and scrap metal recycling to protect jobs and living standards in the UK’s industrial heartlands.  After years of neglect under the last Conservative Government, up to £2.5 billion will be put towards supporting the steel industry, as per the Labour manifesto, including via the National Wealth Fund. This could benefit regions across the UK – like Scunthorpe, Rotherham, Redcar, Yorkshire, and Scotland – which have a strong history of steel production. It will be spent on initiatives that will give the industry a long future – such as electric arc furnaces, or other improvements to UK capabilities.  The Plan is on top of delivering a better deal for Port Talbot within weeks of taking office which will transform production at Port Talbot and deliver a modern Electric Arc Furnace, and implementing the British Industry Supercharger which will cut electricity costs for steel firms and bring prices more in line with international competitors.  The Plan for Steel will help with the issues which have been holding the industry back for too long. It will look at ways to:  · Identify where there are opportunities to expand UK steelmaking to better support UK manufacturing, construction, infrastructure and growth – and secure UK jobs and livelihoods  · Protect the steel sector from unfair trading practices abroad  · Improve our scrap processing facilities so they can best support the steel-making of the future  · Encourage high usage of UK-made steel in public projects  · Tackle the high electricity prices that have held back the competitiveness of UK steelworks  Welcoming the Plan for Steel, Preet Kaur Gill, Labour MP for Birmingham, Edgbaston, said: “During the election, I said that steel can have a bright future under a Labour Government, and we are delivering on it now with up to £2.5 billion of funding.  “The announcement of a Plan for Steel is fantastic news for communities across the country, making clear that we are putting the full weight of government behind the industry to protect our industrial heartlands, maintain jobs and drive local growth.  “I would encourage stakeholders in the West Midlands to feed into the Government’s consultation and I will continue to work with the Government to make sure the Plan for Steel delivers what is needed for our region.”  ENDS Notes to editors     The consultation can be found here: https://gov.uk/government/consultations/input-into-the-steel-strategy

Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill   Part of my speech from the debate at the bill's second reading On Monday, I voted for measures to secure our borders and go after criminal smuggling gangs at the second reading of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. I also spoke in the Parliamentary debate.  We need to break the business model of these vile criminals, so I commend the government for taking a practical approach to border security. This bill will create new powers to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to identify, disrupt and prevent serious and organised crime, including organised immigration crime, through new criminal offences and expanded data-sharing capabilities. These measures are similar to the approach taken to counter terrorism, enabling earlier intervention against those individuals facilitating organised crime.   I’m also very pleased that the Government backed my bill and included measures that will criminalise the possession of the blueprints for 3D-printed guns. These guns are incredibly dangerous and are untraceable.   I also spoke to the BBC about the threat posed by 3D-printed guns. You can read the write up here  and watch the clip below.  You can also watch the Channel 4 documentary I featured in here . Apprenticeship Week On a visit to Curzon Street Station This week is National Apprenticeship Week. Apprenticeships are vital to grow our economy, and in Birmingham, we have 9,460 apprentices currently on their course. I’m glad that this Labour government has announced that up to 10,000 more apprentices will be able to qualify per year by giving employers more flexibility over maths and English requirements.  This comes along with other measures to create more opportunities for young people and grow the economy. Labour’s first piece of education legislation since entering government, currently going through Parliament, paves the way for Skills England – a body that will find and fill skills gaps across our country. The Prime Minister has also announced new foundation apprenticeships, rebalancing our training system back towards young people.    If you have evidence about the challenges facing the further education system or knowledge of any solutions across the country, the Education Select Committee is calling for evidence for their new inquiry on Further Education and Skills. You can find out more and submit evidence to the inquiry before 7th March,  here .  Temporary Accommodation   Outside Saif Lodge which used to provide unfit temporary, supported accommodation In Birmingham, we have an unacceptable number of families and children in temporary accommodation. It’s not right that families are spending months or even years living out of hotel rooms or B&Bs due to a shortage of social and affordable housing. I’m pleased that our Labour government is investing £350m to increase the number of affordable and social homes and ease council housing pressures. You can read more here .  New Towns With Midland Heart For too long, the dream of homeownership has been denied to families in this country. Hundreds of thousands of people are now set to benefit from a generation of new towns across Britain, with the Prime Minister paving the way for the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era. These new towns will be well-designed, beautiful communities with affordable housing, GP surgeries, schools and public transport where people will want to live. Over 100 proposals from across every region in England have been submitted, and every new town will have the potential to deliver 10,000 new homes or more. Read more here .  Leasehold With Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner Many of my constituents with leaseholds have been let down by unreliable managing agents like FirstPort . Labour is improving the lives of leasehold homeowners. We are introducing legislation that will allow them to easily and cheaply take control of the buildings they live in and clamp down on unreasonable or extortionate charges by giving more people access to the “Right to Manage” scheme. You can read more here .  Public Health Funding Boost   Speaking at Terrence Higgins Trust event at Labour Conference As a former cabinet minister for public health at Sandwell Council, I’m delighted that Birmingham has been given a 3% public health funding boost to drive key services, including children's health, addiction recovery, smoking cessation, and sexual health. This increase in funding is part of a nearly £200 million boost for local authorities to improve health outcomes across the country and build healthier communities. You can read more here .  Waiting Lists Outside Queen Elizabeth Hospital It’s great news that the number of patients on NHS waiting lists has now fallen for the fourth month in a row. At University Hospitals Birmingham Trust, in my constituency, waiting lists fell at twice the rate of the rest of the country over the same period. It’s clear that Labour’s plan for change is working. You can read more here .  PMQs Asking the Prime Minister a question in PMQs this week At PMQs, I asked the Prime Minister if he agreed with me that only Labour is serious about repairing our broken immigration system.  On Monday, MPs had the chance to support legislation put forward by this Labour government to crack down on criminal smuggler gangs and secure our borders. The Conservatives and Reform, however, linked arms in the voting lobby to vote against it. The Prime Minister agreed with me, saying "they voted for open borders”.  Growth Jonathan Reynold's making his speech about growing the economy On Thursday, I joined the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds at an event with business CEOs as he set out his ambition for delivering further and faster growth. He said he is serious about delivering our wider regulatory reform over the coming weeks and months, and is serious about building the pro-innovation, pro-worker, pro-wealth creation economy that Labour promised at the General Election. You can read Jonathan Reynold’s full speech here .  I also spoke to ITV about how Labour's plans will deliver growth in the West Midlands. You can read that article here . ITV Central Speaking to ITV Central about pride in Birmingham Earlier this week, I was shocked to see that a journalist had written up a piece in The Times bashing Birmingham. Birmingham is where I was born and raised. Tennis was invented on a lawn in Edgbaston in 1859. We have more canals than Venice, and the first ever hole-in-the heart surgery was carried out here. Birmingham has immense potential and is home to various growth sectors such as in research and development and life sciences.   I won't accept anyone trashing our great city. I spoke to ITV Central about how proud I am to be a Brummie.  Local News School visit At a Q&A session with students from KES It was lovely to attend a Question Time event with King Edwards High School today. I always enjoy discussing politics and current affairs with young people. It was great to cover a variety of topics, including foreign policy, education, the NHS, housing, immigration and local issues. Malcolm X Visit to Smethwick  This week marked the 60th anniversary of Malcom X’s visit to Smethwick, to show solidarity for black and Asian minority communities facing significant racism. This is the ward where I was elected as a councillor.  You can read more about his visit and the historical political landscape in this article from the Guardian, which features my late father,  here .  West Midlands Business Festival  The West Midlands' biggest Business Festival has arrived. In less than a month, there will be more than 80 free events across 2 weeks, starting Monday, 3rd March 2025. You can find out more and book your place here .    Quinton Mast  I’m pleased that the council has refused the application for a 20m high telecommunications mast at the island junction with Dwellings Lane and Quinton Road West.  I objected to this mast, due to its proximity to Four Dwellings Academy, the lack of consultation and late notification. You can read my full letter below. Edgbaston Stadium At Edgbaston cricket stadium It's great that the redevelopment of Edgbaston stadium, which I have been supporting, has been approved by the council. The Priory and Raglan stands at Edgbaston will be replaced with a new 3,191-seat facility. A 146-bed hotel will also be opened on the site.   The stadium in my constituency is world-renowned. Supporting it to grow will bring more visitors, investment and jobs now and in the future. Read more here .  MHWC  Next Tuesday, 18th February, the MHWC will be visiting Westbury Road in North Edgbaston, B17 8JH. The centre will be open between 07:30 and 13:00, so please do come along if you have bulky household waste to dispose of.    Quinton PACT Meeting On Friday 21st February, the Quinton neighbourhood police and community (PACT) meeting will take place between 6. 30 pm  and 8pm at St Faith & St Laurence Church, B17 8RD. Please do come along if you have issued that you would like to raise with the police.  Best wishes, . . . . Preet Kaur Gill MP Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton

This week marks National Apprenticeship Week, an opportunity to celebrate apprentices and the impact they have on our community, local businesses, and the wider economy. I’m pleased this Labour government has marked National Apprenticeship Week not just with words, but action. That’s because Keir Starmer has put apprenticeships at the front of his agenda since becoming Prime Minister. Labour’s first piece of education legislation since entering government, going through Parliament as I write, paves the way for Skills England – a body that will find and fill skills gaps across our country. The Prime Minister announced new foundation apprenticeships, rebalancing our training system back towards young people to create more opportunities. We’re opening pioneering Homebuilding Skills Hubs to train the next generation of bricklayers, roofers, plasterers, scaffolders and electricians, so we can get Britain building again. We’ve created a Youth Guarantee to get all young people earning or learning. As a result, the first set of statistics under the new Labour government saw an increase in apprenticeship starts, participation and achievement compared to the same period under the Tories. Here in Birmingham that meant 9,460 apprentices currently on their course, with 580 having recently completed and 2,080 just beginning on their apprenticeship journey. But we’re not stopping there – as the Chancellor said, we’re going further and faster in our pursuit of growth. Measures set out this week are evidence of that. Labour is slashing red tape to ensure providers can focus their time on training the workforce of the future rather than on unnecessary admin. We’re creating shorter apprenticeships to fast-track the skills we need. We’re modernising the apprenticeship journey through the creation of a new app, a one-stop shop for tools and support. We’re creating new apprenticeship standards in the sectors we need to boost to fulfil the government’s missions, like apprenticeships in the green sector. Crucially, we’re bringing English & Maths in line with other qualifications, to unlock apprenticeships for up to ten thousand more young people, including here in Birmingham, Edgbaston constituency. Apprenticeship starts collapsed on the Tories watch, and young people took the biggest hit. It's time to end the snobbery around skills. There was a time when our country valued them, when boosting training was a national priority, when workers got the respect they deserve. We can get back to that golden age and Labour is creating the apprenticeships we need to do so. Labour will harness the talents of young people through ambitious reform to power this mission-driven government and our Plan for Change. ENDS Notes for editors 'Geography Region - starts, achievements, participation, population by age, level' from 'Apprenticeships', Permanent data table - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK

EU Reset This week, the Prime Minister visited Brussels for defence and security talks. The Prime Minister urged our closest allies to step up and shoulder more of the burden in efforts to keep Europe safe from mounting threats from Russia. He also pitched an ambitious UK-EU defence and security partnership, with steps to increase co-operation on shared threats, and go further on cross-border crime and illegal migration, while delivering growth and security at home.  Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations, also met with European partners to discuss how we can raise UK living standards by reducing barriers to trade and building export and investment opportunities. Co-operation drives innovation, boosts growth and reduces consumer costs.   For this Government, our reset with the EU means the UK being safer, more secure and increasingly prosperous. It does not mean hitting rewind. You can read more about the visit here .  Pay rise In April, over 3 million workers will get a pay rise, putting thousands of pounds back in the pockets of working people. The Government has laid legislation that confirmed a new National Living Wage of £12.21, and a new National Minimum Wage of £10.00 per hour from April. The 6.7% increase to the National Living Wage, worth £1,400 a year for an eligible full-time worker, is a significant step towards delivering our manifesto commitment to deliver a genuine living wage. The National Minimum Wage for 18-20-year-olds is also set to rise by £1.40 to £10.00 per hour – a record increase which means full-time younger workers eligible for the rate will see their pay boosted by £2,500 a year. Read more  here .  School Reform The Government has set out new plans to target ‘stuck schools’ struggling to improve. There are 11 ‘stuck’ schools in Birmingham which have received consecutive poor Ofsted judgements. They plans unveiled by the Education Secretary include an initial £20m investment in new regional improvement teams, known as RISE teams, which will prioritise schools struggling to improve. These teams will draw up bespoke improvement plans, with government making up to £100,000 available initially to each school for specialist support. This compares to a £6,000 grant that was previously available under the Conservatives. Find out more here . You can submit to the Government's Ofsted consultation here . Fraud Parliament debated the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error & Recovery) Bill, which introduces measures to be tough on criminals, fair for claimants, and provide confidence to the taxpayer. Fraud against the public sector is a significant and constantly evolving challenge – with public sector losses of at least £55 bn per year in 2023-24. That’s almost as much as we spent on defence in 2024. The Government’s Bill will give the DWP new search and seizure powers, bringing its investigatory powers into line with other public bodies like HMRC, and enable DWP investigators to apply directly to the courts for a warrant to enter fraudsters homes and take evidence to support the investigation. The Bill will also help us protect claimants by stopping errors earlier and preventing those who have made genuine mistakes from unknowingly racking up massive debts. You can read more here .  Police Grant The Government has announced a major funding increase for West Midlands Police Force to help deliver on its mission to create safer streets. West Midlands Police will receive an additional £54 million for 2025-26, equivalent to a 6.8% funding boost. This is part of a national funding boost of up to £1.1 billion for police forces across England and Wales, including £200 million to kickstart the recruitment of 13,000 neighbourhood officers and £50 million for Violence Reduction Units to tackle knife crime. Read more here .  AI Sexual Abuse Offences This week, the UK became the first country in the world to create new AI sexual abuse offences to protect children from predators generating AI images. AI tools are being used to generate child sexual abuse images in a number of sickening ways, and are helping perpetrators disguise their initial identity and more effectively groom and abuse children online.   We are:  Making it illegal to possess, create or distribute AI tools designed to generate child sexual abuse material, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.   Making it illegal for anyone to possess AI “paedophile manuals” which teach people how to use AI to sexually abuse children, punishable by up to 3 years in prison  Introducing a specific offence for predators who run websites designed for other paedophiles to share vile child sexual abuse content or advise on how to groom children, punishable by up to 10 years in prison  Giving Border Force the necessary powers to keep the UK safe and prevent the distribution of child sexual abuse material which is often filmed abroad by allowing officers to compel an individual who they reasonably suspect poses a sexual risk to children to unlock their digital devices for inspection. Punishable by up to 3 years in prison, depending the on severity.  Read more here .  Flooding The Conservatives’ flood defence negligence over the past 14 years was a dereliction of duty that left communities across the country exposed and cost the economy billions, That’s why this week the Government has announced a record £2.65 billion investment in flood defences, supporting over 1000 projects including in the West Midlands. This will better protect 52,000 properties by March 2026 across the country. Read more here .  NHS Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, with around 55,000 people being diagnosed with the disease every year.  This week, the Government announced that nearly 700,000 women across the country will take part in a world-leading trial to test how AI tools can be used to catch breast cancer cases earlier. 30 testing sites across the country will be enhanced with the latest digital AI technologies, ready to invite women already booked in for routine screenings on the NHS to take part. The technology will assist radiologists, screening patients to identify changes in breast tissue that show possible signs of cancer and refer them for further investigations if required.  Read more here .  Devolution With West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker in Parliament The Deputy Prime Minister has announced that six new areas will get to elect Mayors for the first time. Delivering on the government’s commitment to widen devolution, areas will be given sweeping new powers, putting them on the fast track to deliver growth, opportunities, transport and housing for local communities. The new areas to come under mayoral devolution are Cumbria, Cheshire & Warrington, Norfolk & Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex & Brighton, and Hampshire & Solent. Read more here .  3D-printed firearms Speaking to Times Radio This week, I spoke to Times Radio about my Bill to make it illegal to possess the blueprints to 3D-print a firearm. When I first began researching 3D-printed firearms, I was shocked to discover how easy it was for someone to produce homemade rifles. 3D printers cost as little as £200 and the blueprints to print firearms can easily be downloaded online after a quick google search. I’m thrilled that the Government is taking my bill forward to make it illegal to possess the templates to 3D-print a firearm.  US-UK Relations Speaking in the debate in Parliament I spoke in a Westminster Hall Debate on the UK-US bilateral relationship. While the Opposition is busy talking down the UK-US relationship, our government is putting national interests first. After the damage caused by the last government, I’m glad that the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have made reconnecting with our allies a priority. It is in the national interest to have a strong relationship with both the UK and the EU – this is not a case of ‘either or’. I was shocked to hear the Shadow Business Secretary say last week that improving relations with both the EU and the US was akin to trying to make love simultaneously to both a rhino and a sloth. It is exactly this destructive attitude that has caused so much damage to British businesses and UK trade over the past 14 years. Read more here .  Midlands Transport At University Station with Midlands Connect It was great to visit University Station with Midlands Connect, to support their investment in our railways, facilitating travel for work, study and leisure. The Midlands Rail Hub will enable a 50% increase in the number of cross-city services. Our new life sciences park in the West Midlands is set to create thousands of jobs in the region – increasing capacity on our network will support those jobs. Read more here .  Innovation Visit At West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator It was great to meet local businesses who are driving innovation in health tech through the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) programme, on a visit to the University of Birmingham with the West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker. The accelerator programme, funded through Innovate UK, unites academia, business and the NHS to support innovative health tech start-ups with new novel treatments and technologies. The WMHTIA helps with everything from initial business planning and bespoke programmes of training, through to assisted prototyping and real-world NHS testing services. For several of the businesses I spoke to, their aim is to eventually be introduced into our NHS. By working with Britain's brilliant life sciences sector, Labour aims to tackle the biggest killers, reduce the number of lives lost to heart disease, strokes and cancer, and improve healthy life expectancy for everyone across the country. Birmingham City Council Funding Settlement   I welcome the confirmation this week that Birmingham City Council will receive £533.6 million for local services next year, including a record boost in homelessness funding and significant uplift to funding for social care.  As well as supporting vital local services, this settlement means that the Council will no longer put up council tax by 10%, something the last government insisted was a necessity. After 14 years of cuts and fiscal mismanagement, councils of all political stripes are in crisis. But we now have a Government that wants to work with, rather than against, local authorities. Today's announcement of £5 billion of new funding for local services is a significant financial boost.  While Birmingham is not out of the woods yet, today's news demonstrates the progress the Council and the government are making to fix their finances. As always, I will continue to stand with residents to protect the services they rely on and get the essential support they need. Read more here .  Catch Up with Cancer Drop-in In the UK, someone dies from cancer every four minutes. It was good to attend the  #CatchUpWithCancer  campaign event with Bryan Robson for #WorldCancerDay . Our Labour Government is committed to publishing a dedicated national cancer plan this year to save lives from this disease. Children’s Mental Health Week At Doddington's Children's Centre This week is Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week. It’s vital that every child across the country can easily access the right support at the right time. But we know that there is more to do until we get there. I am pleased to show my support for this campaign.  Local News UOB Labour Students With University of Birmingham Labour Students It was great to visit the University of Birmingham for an ‘In Conversation’ event with Labour students. I enjoyed speaking about my career, discussing the different ways that young people can shape the future of Labour and engaging with various questions from students on a range of topics. It’s always a privilege to talk to young people engaged with politics and invested in the future of the Labour Party. UOB Langar on Campus With UoB Sikh Society It was lovely to join the University of Birmingham Sikh Society for their annual Langar on Campus event. Thank you for sharing some of the teachings of the Sikh faith – such as serving society, equality and justice.  Harborne Day Centre With Cllr Rob Pocock, Alistair Carns MP, Laurence Turner MP and local campaigners outside Harborne Day Centre I had a productive meeting about the future of Harborne Day Centre with Cllr Rob Pocock, Alistair Carns MP, Laurence Turner MP and local campaigner James Cross.  Harborne Day Centre is a lifeline for carers and for those who rely on its services. It’s vital that we work to explore all options to ensure that these people continue to be supported in the community.  Transformative investment into new Sports Quarter Mayor Richard Parker and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds at Birmingham City Football Club It's brilliant news that Knightshead is investing £100m into a new Sports Quarter in East Birmingham, which will include a 60,000 seat stadium for Birmingham City Football Club. It is a huge vote of confidence in Birmingham that global investors are committing to create thousands of jobs with billions of pounds of investment in our city. Read more here Flytipping  The Government has launched the National Waste Crime Survey, which will be open until 24th February. I know that flytipping is an issue for many of my constituents, so I would encourage people to feed into the Government’s survey here .    NHS Consultation  We want your help to build a health service for the future. The Government has launched Change NHS to hear your views, experiences, and ideas which will shape a new 10 Year Health Plan for England. This will run until spring 2025. Find out more and submit your views here .    Quinton PACT Meeting On Friday 21st February, the Quinton neighbourhood police and community (PACT) meeting will take place between 6. 30 pm  and 8pm at St Faith & St Laurence Church, B17 8RD. Please do come along if you have issued that you would like to raise with the police.    MHWC Next   Friday, 14th February, the MHWC will be visiting Kelmscott Road in Harborne, B17 8QW. The centre will be open from 7:30am until 1pm, so please do come along if you have bulky household waste to dispose of.  Best wishes, . . . . Preet Kaur Gill MP Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton

Our Labour government has begun our first steps for change. We are already delivering on promises we made at the General Election - here are just a few of the ways that Labour is making working people better off. Improved incomes for working people Labour has increased the minimum wage for three million low-paid workers, and committed to retaining the pension triple lock for 13 million state pensioners. Resolved long-running industrial disputes The Government has ended a number of long-running strikes, including for junior doctors and rail operators. Fast-tracked legislation to improve workers' rights One of the government's first pieces of legislation honoured our manifesto promise to reverse decades of erosion of people's rights at work. The Employments Rights Bill , with well over 100 clauses, passed its second reading in October. It will bring reform on issues including flexible working, family-friendly policies, unfair dismissal, equality at work, fair pay and give employees more of voice at work. The Bill will create a new national Adult Social Care Negotiating Body. The Bill will give the Secretary of State new powers and staff to enforce Labour market legislation. Restored NHS funding The NHS faces major challenges. The service already accounts for a fifth of all public spending, and it faces growing demand from an ageing and sicker population. The government has restored NHS spending to its highest level since 2010. This is to fund 40,000 additional elective appointments, investment in technology, and the creation of new mental health crisis centres. Lord Darzi’s report, commissioned by the government and delivered in record time, has prepared the ground for the launch of a major long-term plan for the NHS in 2025. Darzi makes a clear case for shifting resources from hospitals to primary care. Launched housing and planning reform – including greater security for tenants We face a chronic shortage of homes, causing sky-high rents for tenants. Ever-rising house prices are increasingly driving young people out of the market and quashing the dream of home ownership. This government has set ambitious housebuilding targets and intends to impose those on local authorities if necessary. It also proposes to overhaul planning processes. Over decades, right-to-buy policies have led to a dramatic decline in social housing and a consultation on reform closed on 15 January. The Renters Rights Bill will provide a major overhaul of the private rented sector with greater security for tenants and new enforcement powers for local authorities. Labour will create planned New Towns. A New Towns Taskforce has been created with a mandate to identify sites for 12 new towns by this summer, and they have issued a call for local authorities to propose suitable locations. Legislated to improve the regulation of the water industry Conservative privatisation policies failed in the case of the water industry, where there has been growing public concern about increased charges, flooding, and sewage being dumped in our rivers and beaches. The water companies have been failing in their duties and in managing their finances. The costs of restoring the system are huge. A first step to address public concern is the Labour government’s Water Special Measures Bill . This will enable the Regulator to block bonus payments to water company executives, improve pollution reporting, and allow imprisonment for obstructing investigations Launched a major devolution of powers to local government We have one of the most centralised systems of local government in the developed world, with most policy decisions made by people based in offices far from those who it might affect. In December, the English Devolution White Paper set out plans for the most comprehensive restructuring of local government since 1974, and a process for progressively devolving power from Whitehall to local mayors. Local authorities have been invited to indicate how quickly they expect to produce plans. Improved international relations International issues have a major bearing on the lives of people in Britain. The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have meant higher energy prices, security concerns, and increased migration. In an increasingly unstable world, we need to strengthen our trade and defence alliances. It’s right that the Prime Minister is seeking to re-build relationships and our reputation on the world stage. Launched a strategic defence review The government has committed to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, reflecting rising global tensions and the increasing complexity of defence issues. Conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa have demonstrated the changing shape of warfare itself. A major Strategic Defence Review , launched in August with widespread consultation, will report in the first half of 2025. Strengthened environmental policies At COP29 in November, Keir Starmer unveiled new aspirations for the UK's environmental policy, including the creation of Great British Energy, with an £8.3bn fund to speed up the development of green technologies. The ban on land-based windfarms has been lifted and a ban has been introduced on new gas and oil exploration in the North Sea. A record number of clean energy projects have been approved and new regional clusters have been created to develop carbon capture, usage, and storage. Launched improvements to public transport The unreliability and high cost of rail and bus travel drives road congestion, creates pollution, and is a drag on economic activity. There is public support for renationalising the railways, and the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024 has become law, setting the process in motion alongside the creation of Great British Railway. The Government has also increased the powers of local authorities to shape rail and bus services. The government has committed £1bn to improve bus services and has capped single bus fares at £3. The Bus Services Bill will give local authorities new controls over routes, timetables, connections and fares. Strengthened police response to violence against women and girls The Government has launched a number of measures to reduce violence against women and girls. They include a Safer Streets Mission Board to coordinate this across government. It is also piloting new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders in five areas, and is embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 call centres. Strengthened border control and increased returns of failed asylum seekers Although more than 95% of immigrants arrive with government approval , the government has mandated the Migration Advisory Committee to work with Skills England, the Industrial Strategy Council, and the Department of Work and Pensions, to monitor the use of skills visas and reduce employers’ dependence on imported labour. UK Visas and Immigration have been mandated to increase investigations to tackle visa abuse. Resources freed by the cancellation of the Rwanda deportation scheme are being used to speed up the process of removing failed asylum seekers, aided by new bilateral agreements with some countries of origin, and return numbers have increased. A series of measures have also been introduced to restrict the ability of people-smugglers to do business in the UK, and work is in hand with European countries to coordinate detection and prosecution. Other actions There is so much more that we have done, and this is just the beginning. Here's a handful of some of the other things that we have achieved since we were elected: Allocated £11.8bn for infected blood compensation. Allocated £3bn more for Ukraine. Allocated £500m to local Warm Home grants . Allocated an additional £550m for pothole repair . Appointed a Covid Counter-Fraud Commissioner . Created a cross departmental Child Poverty Taskforce . Created Skills England to reform training and apprenticeships. Created the Women’s Justice Board . Launched Domestic Abuse Protection Orders . Launched legislation to remove hereditary Peers from the House of Lords . Piloting free breakfast clubs in 750 schools. Piloting new training for community policing . Plan to recruit 6,500 more teachers. Published a Green Paper on industrial strategy . Published new rules on online safety . Published the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill . Published the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill to regulate product safety. Removed VAT exemption from private school fees. You can keep up with what I am up to in Parliament and the constituency by subscribing to my weekly newsletter here: https://www.preetkaurgill.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up . If there's anything I can help you with, you can contact my office by calling 0121 392 8426, or e-mailing preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk .

Preet Kaur Gill MP, Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Edgbaston, welcomes the Government’s introduction of a statutory levy on gambling operators, generating £100 million for the research, prevention, and treatment of gambling harms. Gambling harms can have a devastating effect on people’s lives. 2.5% of the population are gambling in a severe and harmful way but many more are affected, whether that be family members or gamblers who are experiencing negative consequences but below the clinical threshold. Under the current voluntary system, not all gambling companies contribute proportionately to research, prevention and treatment of gambling harms, with some operators paying as little as £1 a year. The new mandatory levy will ensure all operators contribute a fair share, and will be applied at proportionate levels depending on the sector and nature of the gambling activity. Of the new £100m in funding, treatment will be allocated 50% the levy and will be overseen by NHS who will commission a full treatment pathway, from referral and triage through to aftercare. Prevention will be allocated 30% to develop an early intervention approach, and research will get the remaining 20% of funding. This funding comes as part of a wider package of measures, which includes the introduction of stake limits for online slots. Stake limits will be set at £5 per spin for adults aged 25 and over and £2 per spin for 18-24 year olds. These changes bring online slot games in line with existing restrictions on slot machines in casinos. Indeed, online slots are a higher-risk gambling product, associated with large losses, long sessions, and binge play. However, unlike land-based gaming machines which offer broadly similar games, up until now they have had no statutory stake limits. Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham, Edgbaston said:  “Problem gambling can be devastating for those whose lives it touches, and unfortunately, those numbers are on the rise with NHS Services treating record numbers.    “This new statutory funding for gambling harms, paid for by gambling companies, will be an important boost to the NHS, whilst helping to address the negative impact of gambling harms on places like Birmingham, Edgbaston through prevention and research.”  ENDS    Notes to Editors • The regulations introducing the levy can be found here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2025/9780348267211/pdfs/ukdsi_9780348267211_en.pdf    • The regulations to introduce online stake limits can be found here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2024/9780348266955    • The levy will be charged at a set rate for all holders of a given Gambling Commission licence, ranging from 1.1% to 0.1% of Gross Gambling Yield (GGY), or equivalent, depending on the sector.   • Society lottery operators will pay the levy as a proportion of proceeds retained after good causes and prizes paid out.   • The UK government will formally review the statutory levy system within five years with the first formal review expected by 2030.

Immigration The frontpage of Monday's edition of Metro Labour is introducing new counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs. This powerful new legislation will give law enforcement tougher tools to pursue people smugglers and disrupt their ability to carry out small boat crossings.  The new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will include laws allowing immigration officers and police to seize phones, laptops and other electronic devices at an earlier stage before arrests are made and create a new offence for collecting information to be used by organised immigration criminals to prepare for boat crossing. To prevent more people being crammed into unsafe, flimsy boats and lives being put at risk by these gangs, we will also make it an offence to endanger another life during perilous sea crossing to the UK. Find out more here .  3D Guns Speaking to Times Radio about 3D-printed guns It’s great that the Government has responded to my campaign and is making it illegal to possess the templates for 3D-printed firearms. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will criminalise the making, adapting, importing and possession of specific articles that could be used in serious crime, including templates for 3D printed firearms, carrying a prison sentence of up to 5 years. Last year I presented the Firearms (3D Printing) Bill to Parliament, to shut down a loophole that means it is legal to possess or share a blueprint to make 3D-printed guns, or part-make a 3D-printed gun.  As organised crime changes, legislation must keep up. Templates to make untraceable lethal weapons can now be shared and downloaded easily via social media, and with hostile actors using social media and other platforms to stir and incite violence on Britain’s streets, it is imperative we act.  Since 2021, the National Crime Agency has reported a 733% rise in the number of cases involving the seizure of 3D printed firearms and components during targeted police searches. I’m looking forward to working with the Government on this legislation as it progresses through Parliament. Read more here . Integrated Funding Settlement The Government has announced that the West Midlands will get £385m to drive local growth and unlock regional control of key services including transport, house building and employment support in a new integrated funding settlement.  This is the first time in English history that mayors will get real control over their budgets, which will better equip them to act on local priorities. I’m looking forward to working with the Mayor on the delivery of local projects to ensure that my constituents in Birmingham, Edgbaston benefit from this new settlement. Read more here . Growth With Chancellor Rachel Reeves This week, the Chancellor vowed to go further and faster to kickstart economic growth across the country, including in the West Midlands.  Our region will gain from new strategic partnerships trialled by the National Wealth Fund. The Government’s National Wealth Fund and Office of Investment will work with local leaders to build pipelines of investment and projects linked to regional growth priorities. The Chancellor has reiterated how residents in the West Midlands are set to benefit from sweeping reforms under the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which will take an axe to red tape that slows down approval of infrastructure projects and ensure a smooth and speedy delivery.  The Government has also agreed for water companies to unlock £7.9bn investment for the next 5 years to improve our water infrastructure and provide a foundation for growth. This includes nine new reservoirs, one of which is in the West Midlands. The last major reservoir built in the UK was completed in 1992.   In her speech this week, the Chancellor also unveiled plans to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor that will add up to £78 billion to the UK economy according to industry experts, catalysing growth of UK science and technology.  She has backed the redevelopment of Old Trafford and will review the Green Book - the government’s guidance on appraisal - in order to support decisions on public investment across the country, including outside London and the Southeast.  You can read the Chancellor’s full speech here .  NHS Outside Queen Elizabeth Hospital This week, the Health Secretary stated that we are instructing the NHS to go back to basics, fix the fundamentals, and focus on the things that matter most to patients: cutting waiting times for operations, A&E and ambulances, making it easier to see a GP or a dentist, and improving the mental health of the nation.  The Government has provided significant extra investment and given clear directions to trusts on what it expects. The Department will reward high performance and drive up standards as we deliver on our Plan for Change and build a health service fit for the future. Read more here .  Gambling With darts legend Fallon Sherrock Problem gambling can be devastating for those whose lives it touches, and unfortunately, those numbers are on the rise with NHS Services treating record numbers. The Government’s has introduced a statutory levy on gambling operators, generating £100 million for the research, prevention, and treatment of gambling harms. Read more  here .  Elmhurst Ballet School With students from Elmhurst Ballet School I'm very pleased that talented Music and Dance Scheme students from lower income families will not see their school fees rise, after I raised this with Ministers.   Elmhurst Ballet School is a brilliant school educating talented students and a wonderful local asset.  What we've done for you Our Labour government has begun our first steps for change, and we are already delivering on promises we made at the General Election. You can find a list of some of the ways that Labour is making working people better off on my website   here .   BBC Politics Midlands From my appearance on BBC Politics Midlands Last Sunday, I appeared on BBC Politics Midlands to talk about knife crime, flytipping and speeding. You can watch the full episode here .  Co-op Party Energy Roundtable At the Co-op Energy Roundtable It was great to chair the Co-operative Party community energy roundtable. It was beneficial to meet with local government leaders to talk about how we deliver the local power plan and provide opportunities for community ownership.  Knife Crime At a morning briefing with West Midlands Police Knife crime is a crisis in our communities. In recent years, I have been witness to some horrific cases – in every one , what strikes you immediately is the senselessness of it.   I welcome the government’s announcement of an extra £48 million in funding for West Midlands Police for 2025-26, equivalent to a 6% boost. These extra resources will help our police force to tackle violent crime in our communities. Read more here .  APPG for British Sikhs At APPG for British Sikhs event It was a privilege to attend the APPG for British Sikhs event celebrating the military contribution of Sikhs to the UK. My great grandfather fought in the First World War for the British Army in France. There is also currently an exhibition on at Hampton Court Palace exhibition celebrating many forgotten stories from the Sikh battalions. I would encourage anyone in or travelling to London to visit.  ASDA Drop-in At Asda schools drop-in It was great to attend the ASDA Cashpot for Schools Drop in in Parliament this week. In my constituency, 1,643 customers raised £7,085, which will be donated by Asda to support 24 local primary schools.  Liver Disease Drop-in At British Liver Trust drop in Liver disease deaths are around five times higher in the most deprived areas of the country.   I support British Liver Trust’s calls for improvements in early diagnosis and prevention of liver disease and tackling health inequalities.  Holocaust Memorial Day  Signing the book of commitment On Monday, we commemorated 80 years since Auschwitz was liberated, remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and those killed in other genocides. We must reject hate, and stand against antisemitism, racism and intolerance for a better future. I signed the book of commitment pledging to take action for a better future and lit a candle in my window to remember those who were murdered for who they were. You can read the Prime Minister’s full speech here .  Local News Leasehold Hundreds of my constituents have contacted me about the financial mismanagement and poor service they have experienced with FirstPort. I asked FirstPort to look into these issues as a matter of priority to ensure outstanding accounts are dealt with immediately. You can find my full letter here .  Hagley Road Steering group  Meeting with colleagues to discuss the Hagley Road corridor As Chair of the Hagley Road Steering Group, it was good to meet with colleagues this week to discuss the delivery of the Hagley Road Rapid Transit Scheme.   The scheme will maximise accessibility, regeneration, and development of the Hagley Road Corridor. Investing in public transport will mean faster and cheaper journeys to work for my constituents and new connections help to support local growth.  Meeting with Richard Parker With West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker in Parliament It was great to meet with our West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker, to discuss regional priorities, such as the Hagley Road corridor, housing development and measures to reduce speeding. I look forward to working together to deliver better transport, more housing and safer streets for my constituents.    MHWC    Next Friday, 14th February, the MHWC will be visiting Kelmscott Road in Harborne, B17 8QW. The centre will be open from 7:30am until 1pm, so please do come along if you have bulky household waste to dispose of.  Best wishes, . . . . . Preet Kaur Gill MP Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton

Region to benefit from National Wealth Fund partnerships, fast tracking of infrastructure projects and new reservoir   Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham, Edgbaston, has today (29/01/25) welcomed the Chancellor’s plans to kick start the economy and spur growth across the country, including in the West Midlands.  The Chancellor has today in a landmark speech unveiled new plans to boost the economy and spur regional growth across the UK, vowing to go “further and faster” to generate growth and put more money in people’s pockets.  The West Midlands will gain from new strategic partnerships trialled by the National Wealth Fund. The Government’s National Wealth Fund and Office of Investment will will work with local leaders to build pipelines of investment and projects linked to regional growth priorities.  The Chancellor has reiterated how regions across the country, including the West Midlands, are set to benefit from sweeping reforms under the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which will take an axe to red tape that slows down approval of infrastructure projects and ensure a smooth and speedy delivery.  The Government has also agreed for water companies to unlock £7.9bn investment for the next 5 years to improve our water infrastructure and provide a foundation for growth. This includes nine new reservoirs, one of which is in the West Midlands. The last major reservoir built in the UK was completed in 1992.  This builds on government commitments to generate growth in our region. The West Midlands will be one of the first regions in the UK to benefit from a single flexible funding pot through its integrated settlement, and will gain from confirmation of HS2 Phase 1 – including a link directly into central London.  The West Midlands will also benefit from a 1 year continuation of Innovation Accelerator programme, a pilot programme to support city regions in becoming major, globally competitive centres for research and innovation.    Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham, Edgbaston, said:   “The West Midlands has immense potential and is home to various growth sectors such as in research and development, the automotive sector, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.  “We are the inventors of the pacemaker, the balti, and the world's leading brain cancer drug. Our region has huge potential, but for 14 years we have been let down.  “I am excited to see how our region will work with the Government to unlock the potential we have, creating good jobs and bringing in investment. The life sciences project in my constituency is an example of this government is prioritising life sciences in its Industrial Strategy, a sector that will grow.  “Low growth is not our destiny. I welcome the Chancellor’s commitment today to kickstart the UK economy and boost growth across the country, including in the West Midlands.”  In her speech today, the Chancellor unveiled plans to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor that will add up to £78 billion to the UK economy according to industry experts, catalysing growth of UK science and technology.  She has also backed the redevelopment of Old Trafford and will review the Green Book - the government’s guidance on appraisal - in order to support decisions on public investment across the country, including outside London and the Southeast.  A complete list of the Chancellor’s announcements can be found here: Reeves: I am going further and faster to kick start the economy - GOV.UK   ENDS

Today, the Government has announced integrated settlements for West Midlands Combined Authority and Greater Manchester to help them deliver Labour’s Plan for Change.  The West Midlands will receive £385m to drive local growth and unlock regional control of key services including transport, house building and employment support. Greater Manchester will benefit from a settlement worth £560 million.  The Government is looking forward to providing additional transport funding in the West Midlands next year. The transport settlement for the West Midlands reflects the financial challenges inherited from the previous administration, and the Government remain committed to supporting sustainable improvements in the region’s transport network.   This is the first time in English history that mayors will get real control over their budgets. The new Integrated Funding Settlements will be the first of its kind, consolidating funds from multiple Whitehall departments into one pot.  This will bring greater flexibility in how it is spent and cut out needless bureaucracy where the mayoral authorities previously had to repeatedly bid for multiple funding pots from individual departments, such as Education and Transport, making sure every penny of taxpayers’ cash is focused on public services. The funding agreement that will give the West Midlands and Greater Manchester mayors more power to direct government funding towards regional priorities.  The new flexible funding will help the West Midlands drive forward schemes to help build 20,000 new social homes, growing the Business Growth West Midlands support system for local businesses and developing and training the next generation of low-carbon engineers.  Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham, Edgbaston, said:  “Our region will benefit greatly from this ambitious funding settlement, which will generate growth, boost housebuilding and improve connectivity.  "Our Mayor will now have more control over decision making for our region, enabling him to deliver on the priorities that our communities care about.  “I’m looking forward to working with the Mayor on the delivery of local projects to ensure that my constituents in Birmingham, Edgbaston benefit from this new settlement.”  Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:   “Our country and local leaders have been held back for too long by outdated systems and bureaucratic box ticking exercises, stifling growth and ambition.   “Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will now hold the reins on its own priorities – driving forward meaningful change for working people from building more affordable homes to day-to-day running of busses.   “This is our devolution revolution in action, and we are bringing forward this more flexible funding for more mayors next year to continue our Plan for Change to spread opportunities and growth to every region.”

Preet Kaur Gill MP’s campaign to criminalise the possession of blueprints for 3D guns has succeeded.    Yesterday (30 January), the Government announced a Bill to introduce new counter terror powers, which include criminalising the making, adapting, importing and possession of templates for 3D-printed firearms, carrying a prison sentence of up to 5 years. These new powers are included in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.  Gill has long been campaigning to shut down a legal loophole that means it is currently legal to possess and share blueprints to print 3D guns. In October 2024, Gill presented the Firearms (3D Printing) Bill to Parliament, "to create an offence of possessing a blueprint for the production of a firearm by 3D printing”. She also worked with Channel 4 documentary makers Middlechild TV to raise awareness of the issue and bring it to the attention of Parliament.  Blueprints to make untraceable lethal weapons can now be shared and downloaded easily with a step by step guide available on social media platforms and manufactured with 3D printers that can be bought for as little as £150, presenting a real challenge to law enforcement agencies trying to stop the circulation of firearms on Britain's streets.  The rise of 3D printed guns is a serious concern. Since 2021, the National Crime Agency has reported a 733% rise in the number of cases involving the seizure of 3D printed firearms and components during targeted police searches.  Last year in Birmingham, a local man was convicted of possession of a range of home-made assault rifles manufactured with a 3D printer at home.  The lethal potential of this technology received international media attention after the Luigi Mangione case in New York, where a health insurance CEO was murdered with an untraceable “ghost gun”, parts of which were 3D-printed.  Responding to the announcement, Preet Kaur Gill, Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Edgbaston, said:  “Last year, I presented the Firearms (3D Printing) Bill to Parliament, to shut down a loophole that means it is legal to possess or share a blueprint to make 3D-printed guns, or part-make a 3D-printed gun.  “I am delighted this week the Government announced it will take forward my Bill and close this loophole.   “As organised crime changes, legislation must keep up. Templates to make untraceable lethal weapons can now be shared and downloaded easily via social media, and with hostile actors using social media and other platforms to stir and incite violence on Britain’s streets, it is imperative we act.    “I am delighted that the Government has taken swift action, sending a strong message to criminals seeking to exploit this loophole. I look forward to working together to get the legislation right as it makes its way through Parliament.”  ENDS Notes  Counter terror-style powers to strengthen ability to smash smuggling gangs - GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/counter-terror-style-powers-to-strengthen-ability-to-smash-smuggling-gangs   Clauses 43 and 44 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill create new criminal offences of possessing, importing, manufacturing, adapting, supplying or offering to supply a template to make 3D printed firearm components in connection with any serious offence as defined in Schedule 1 to the Serious Crime Act 2007. - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/counter-terror-style-powers-to-strengthen-ability-to-smash-smuggling-gangs   In 2023, there were 25 cases involving the seizure of 3D-printed firearm component parts, or items associated with 3D-printing of firearms (such as printers or blueprints) during targeted police searches, an increase on 3 cases in 2021. - https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/threats/nsa-firearms-2024  NSA 2024 - Firearms  Since 2021, the National Crime Agency has reported a 733% rise in the number of cases involving the seizure of 3D printed firearms and components during targeted police searches - https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/threats/nsa-firearms-   Last year in Birmingham, a local man was convicted of possession of a range of home-made assault rifles manufactured with a 3D printer at home -   https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-65816334

Patients in Birmingham will be able to access more appointments closer to home and get the treatment they need faster under Labour’s plan to tackle hospital backlogs. • Hundreds of thousands more appointments in Birmingham to be created through plan to get people the treatment they need quicker  • Patients in Birmingham to feel the impact of greater patient choice over followup care as part of a drive to open-up one million appointments, alongside better use of tech and other action to save another million missed appointments   In Birmingham there are 114,872 people on waiting lists at huge cost to their health. Tackling the 7.5 million strong waiting list inherited by the government so that the NHS once again meets the 18-week standard for planned treatment is a key milestone in the government’s Plan for Change. Restoring this standard will mean patients in Birmingham no longer have to put their lives on hold. Currently, too many patients face long waits for appointments or surgeries and may be referred to hospitals they don’t choose at inconvenient times, while appointments and staff time are being lost to inefficiencies or inconsistencies in care.  The Labour Government’s Elective Reform Plan, published by NHS England, sets out a whole system approach to hitting the 18-week referral to treatment target by the end of this Parliament. This includes opening Community Diagnostic Centres on evenings and weekends so that many more people will be able to access tests and checks while going about their daily lives, and the NHS will also increase the number of surgical hubs, which help protect planned care from the impact of seasonal and other pressures. The plan will drive forward progress on the government’s first steps commitment to deliver 2 million extra appointments in its first year, equivalent to 40,000 every week. The reforms will put patients first, harness technology to support staff and help the NHS to do things more efficiently. Under the plan, 65% of patients will be treated within 18 weeks by the end of next year. Based on the size of the current waiting list, that would mean a fall of more than 450k people waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment. Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham, Edgbaston said:   “Hundreds of residents in Birmingham are stuck on the record long waiting lists inherited by the Labour Government at huge cost to their health.   “That’s why the reforms announced this week to cut NHS waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks will make such a huge difference. With so many people waiting for treatment and wanting to get back to work, it is more urgent than ever that we reform our NHS so it will always be there for you when you need it.”  Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:   “This Government promised change and that is what I am fighting every day to deliver.   “NHS backlogs have ballooned in recent years, leaving millions of patients languishing on waiting lists, often in pain or fear. Lives on hold. Potential unfulfilled.   “This elective reform plan will deliver on our promise to end the backlogs. Millions more appointments. Greater choice and convenience for patients. Staff once again able to give the standard of care they desperately want to.  “This is a key plank of our Plan for Change, which will drive growth that puts more money in people’s pockets, secures our borders and makes the NHS fit for the future so what working people live longer, healthier, more prosperous lives.”

• Labour government pushes ahead with Plan for Change with ‘best start in life’ objective   • Comes as new research reveals 110,706 primary school children in Birmingham could benefit from free breakfast clubs Families in Birmingham will soon be able to access quality before-school childcare ahead as Labour pushes ahead with Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill to roll out free breakfast clubs across the country. Today (21/01/25), Preet Kaur Gill MP has demanded that children in Birmingham get the ‘best start in life’ ahead of the Labour government’s rollout of free breakfast clubs for children in primary schools. It comes as new research reveals that 110,706 children in Birmingham could benefit from free breakfast clubs, boosting their attendance, attainment, readiness to learn, wellbeing and behaviour. In addition, the clubs are set to support parents to work the jobs and hours they choose, less restricted by school drop-offs and saving them money on childcare. Last month, Gill wrote to every primary school in the constituency encouraging them to become early adopters to the breakfast club scheme.  The MP’s intervention follows Second Reading of Labour’s Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill, new legislation to ensure children and families have access to a free breakfast club at their local primary school. Ministers have kick-started the programme through an early adopter scheme, with applications having opened in November 2024 and rollout being delivered from April 2025. Funding was provided at Labour’s Budget to fix the foundations and deliver change, which tripled investment in breakfast clubs to over £33 million. The breakfast clubs form part of Labour’s mission to break the unfair link between background and opportunity. To set tangible targets that make a difference to the lives of working people, the Prime Minister recently unveiled his Plan for Change, with the relevant metric for the Opportunity Mission being to deliver ‘the best start in life’. The Labour government has pledged to get a record proportion of children school-ready – hitting key targets on personal, social and physical development as well as communication, literacy and maths. Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham, Edgbaston, said: “Through my conversations on the doorstep, I’ve learnt just how valuable breakfast clubs will be for families in Birmingham, boosting attendance and attainment as well as keeping money in parents’ pockets. “That’s why it’s a shame these clubs were only available in one in ten schools under the Conservatives. Labour will make them available to every child.  “It’s clear to see that this is a child-centred Labour government, determined to give children in Birmingham the best start in life.” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:   “Breakfast clubs boost parents’ work choices as well as children’s life chances, they are integral to this government’s mission to break down the barriers to opportunity so where you come from doesn’t determine where you end up in life. “From helping with flexible working for families, to improving behaviour and attendance, the supportive start to the day that breakfast clubs provide will help drive high and rising standards for every child. “This Labour government has a Plan for Change that will give children growing up in our country the best start in life.” The Labour government’s wider funded wraparound childcare offer – for all primary children to be able to access childcare between 8am-6pm – continues to roll out across the country. Labour is also developing an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty and give children the best start in life, which will be published in Spring 2025. The Taskforce led by the Work and Pensions Secretary and Education Secretary are looking at all available levers across government to drive forward short-term and long-term actions to reduce child poverty. ENDS Notes to editors: • Department for Education newsdesk contactable at 020 7783 8300.   • Department for Education latest press release on breakfast club early adopters, containing quotes from Chief Executive of Family Action and Willow Bank Primary School headteacher here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/schools-urged-to-sign-up-forfree-breakfast-club-rollout .   • The existing National Schools Breakfast Club programme will continue Y25/26 to provide support to the most disadvantaged children.   Relevant data The table below shows the number of children in each primary school year group broken down by local authority, once totaled it reveals the number of children in your area set to benefit from the rollout of the scheme. For example: ‘over 21,000 children across primary schools in Sunderland to benefit from Labour’s free breakfast clubs’ You can access the table here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/datatables/permalink/006656eb-7f2e-4a58-0fe2-08dd167ca495 .