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Mr Speaker, I beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide that, where a public body collects data about ethnicity for the purpose of delivering public services, it must include specific “Sikh” and “Jewish” categories as options for a person’s ethnic group; and for connected purposes. Jews and Sikhs are in the unique position of being considered both ethnic and religious groups under the Equality Act 2010. Sikhs and Jews have been legally recognised as ethnic groups for over 40 years since the Mandla v Dowell Lee case in 1983. The Bill would address a fundamental absurdity in the fight against discrimination and inequality, that we do not collect ethnicity data on Sikhs and Jews since laws on racial discrimination were first introduced nearly 60 years ago. The Women and Equalities Select Committee were told in February 2018 that the Government’s Race Disparity Audit had identified around 340 datasets across government, but found no data on Sikhs. The only data collected on Sikhs and Jews in more recent years is religious data. However, the quality of data collected by public bodies on religion compared to ethnicity is poor, patchy and incomplete. Religion data is never used by public bodies to make decisions for the purposes of delivering public services. It makes both Jews and Sikhs invisible to policymakers – therefore ignoring the inequality and discrimination both groups face. That is why a specific Jewish and Sikh ethnic category is needed. That is what this Bill will do. Mr Speaker, this is a campaign to end the discrimination both communities face. I campaigned for a Sikh and Jewish ethnic tick box to be included in the 2021 Census, because we know public bodies have been instructed for over 30 years to use the design of the Census ethnic groups questions to design and deliver services in compliance with equalities legislation. As protected characteristics, you would expect that public bodies are instructed to routinely collect information on Sikhs and Jews. But they are not. As an Equalities Minister wrote to me last year: “Public bodies and decision-makers who think that their decisions may affect discrimination, harassment, or victimisation of Sikhs, […] should ensure that their compliance with the duty includes considerations of Sikh ethnicity.” But they don’t, because people incorrectly argue and assume data collected on religion is a suitable substitute. Those people don’t understand the existing practices. Religion data is rarely collected to a good standard, it excludes non-practicing Sikhs and Jews, and it is not used by public bodies to monitor and reduce inequalities, or provide public services. Sikhs and Jews are missing from whole swathes of public data: education; housing; crime; health; criminal justice; the public sector workforce; the ethnicity pay gap. The proposal in this Bill would allow public bodies to start systematically collecting data on Sikhs and Jews to address the discrimination and inequalities they face. Especially as the Government has made a commitment to require ethnicity pay gap reporting. In presenting this Bill today, I have the support of a wide range of community organisations. This includes the Sikh Council UK, 112 UK Gurdwaras and organisations, The Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Antisemitism Policy Trust and the Community Security Trust (CST). I would like to provide the House with a few examples of why this Bill is so important. The pandemic shone a harsh light on the inequalities between different ethnic groups. Many experts in public health now recognise that we were too slow to recognise that some ethnic groups were dying at a far higher rate than others. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) belatedly started analysing Covid related deaths data by religious group, where data was available – a short-term exercise that has since been discontinued. It found that Sikhs died disproportionately from Covid even after adjusting for region, population density, area deprivation, household composition, socio-economic status, and a range of other economic indicators. Not only this, but it showed that Sikhs were affected at a very different rate to other predominantly South Asian groups – meaning that analysis using the existing ethnic minority categories would fail to capture any of these inequalities. The Board of Deputies has also recognised these arguments. British Jews died at almost twice the rate of the rest of the population. With the higher prevalence of certain genetic conditions among Jewish people, for example breast cancer in Ashkenazi Jewish women, collecting better data will help public services profile and respond to the community better. Surely to address health inequalities, we need to learn from the pandemic and collect accurate data to address outcomes for both these communities, given the evidence base? To give just one example, which highlights the absurdity of this system, the NHS Blood and Transplant Authority does not collect data on Sikh organ donors or Sikhs requiring an organ transplant, despite a policy of more than a decade of trying to encourage more Sikhs to become donors! They do not hold the single most important data point that would allow us to improve sign-up rates in this underrepresented group! It’s simply shocking! As Amanda Bowman, Vice-President of the Board of Deputies, wrote last year: “Imagine you’re sitting in a hospital waiting room and have been asked to fill out a form which, among other questions, asks for your ethnicity. […] So which box do I tick?” As David Baddiel, the author of Jews Don't Count, has said: “It is othering and alienating” that Jews do not have a distinct ethnic box to reflect their race. Since October 7th, the British Jewish community have faced an appalling rise in antisemitic hate attacks. While the Home Office collects data on antisemitic hate crimes by religion, it doesn’t on racially aggravated antisemitism. This is despite racial hate crime outnumbering religiously aggravated hate crime by 10:1. There is therefore a serious risk that Jewish hate crimes are being undercounted by the Home Office, because they do not have their own Jewish ethnic category. In the first half of this year, the Community Security Trust (CST) found that the majority (52%) of antisemitic incidents they recorded consisted of “anti-Jewish discourse linking the victim to Israel, Palestine, the Hamas terror attack or the subsequent war.” According to CPS prosecution guidance, hate targeting someone’s real or perceived nationality or national origins – such as a link to Israel – would indicate a racially, not religiously, aggravated offence. The same also goes for Sikhs, as has been documented in the APPG on British Sikhs’ report into anti-Sikh hate. Sikhs are the most visible minority in Britain, yet we do not collect data on racist anti-Sikh hate. The last government’s hate crime action plan effectively ignored Sikh hate or the definition of anti-Sikh hate. Here in is the fundamental problem with consigning Sikhs and Jews to exercises focused on religion data, and not ethnicity. Religion is not a mandatory field in terms of crime reporting standards set by the Home Office for police forces, apart from in religiously aggravated hate crime cases only. However, police forces are required to record ethnicity or EA codes using Census categories, where Sikhs and Jews do not exist despite recognition in Equality Act 2010. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services has produced at least 30 different reports since 2017 criticising police forces for the poor recording of data on the ethnicity of victims of crime. A final example. In October, the chief executive of UK Jewish Film Festival warned of the “erasure of British-Jewish culture from national cultural life” by arts bodies, which are of course largely publicly funded. Benjamin Till, a Bafta-nominated composer, told the Jewish Chronicle that the Arts Council “doesn’t allow Jewish people to identify as anything other than a religion” and insists it “must accept that Jewishness is a cultural, and an ethnic identity.” As the APPG on British Sikhs and Board of Deputies have warned, even on its own merits, using religious questions to capture data on our communities will increasingly become irrelevant. The percentage of Sikhs and Jews who identify with their ethnic group but do not practise their religion is growing. As Britain becomes increasingly secular, we are failing to recognise how British Sikhs and Jews face discrimination in other ways. Ethnicity data can capture this in ways that religion data doesn’t. As the Board of Deputies has said, “We are concerned that until this situation is rectified, many Jewish citizens will not feel fully counted.” As a former Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection on Sandwell Council, Sikhs and Jews are forgotten when it comes to the design of services, because there is no ethnicity data on Jews and Sikhs to inform those decisions. Religious data is not used. In the rare cases where we do have some data, it often exposes glaring inequalities. In 2018, 5.3% of homeless deaths in London were Sikh vs 1.3% of the general population in the city.   27% of Sikhs in the UK report that someone in their family has an alcohol addiction.  The pandemic revealed that both Sikh and Jewish people were dying at a significantly greater rate than other groups. Good quality data saves lives. In the past few years, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has come to acknowledge the need to “ensure the ethnicity standard reflects the diversity of the UK population.” That surely means it is time to address this injustice facing Sikh and Jewish people. Whatever the future of ethnicity data collection, we must routinely be included in our own right: If you consider our legal status as ethnic groups: we should be included. If you consider the size of our populations: we should be included. If you consider our contribution to Great Britain and society: we should be included. If you consider the specific forms of discrimination and inequalities we face: we should be included. What our communities are asking for is fairness and justice: To be counted as ethnic groups given we have been recognised as such in law for over 40 years. As David Baddiel has argued, “identifying antisemitism as religious intolerance, rather than racism, downgrades its importance, which is what leads to Jews not counting.” The same goes for Sikhs. And this is not just a rhetorical point. It is literally the case that regarding Sikhs and Jews as a religious category means we are not counted. We are not counted when we fill in a form in an NHS waiting room. Not counted in the Census. And local Councils don’t count us in the data they use to monitor and deliver services. It’s high time that changed, and so I urge Members across the House to allow this Bill to progress today. It’s high time that public bodies ended this injustice. As legislators we must put this wrong right and to support them to do that. Watch the full speech here: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/3bd4934f-3cb3-45b3-b6c5-678a2c831723?in=12:36:11

Get Britain Working On a visit to Curzon Street station This week, Labour unveiled the biggest employment reforms in a generation to get Britain working again. Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, published the Great Britian Working White Paper, marking the Government’s first major intervention to achieve an ambitious 80 per cent employment rate. The measures announced in the White Paper, backed by £240 million investment, will deliver growth and create good jobs across Britian. We will transform Jobcentres and make sure every young person has access to an apprenticeship, quality training and education opportunities. We will rebuild the NHS so people can get back to work and expand mental health support. Find out more, and access the White Paper, here .  Tobacco and Vapes Bill Speaking in the Chamber This week, I voted for the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will introduce a world-leading smoking ban to save a generation from a life imprisoned by addiction. The Bill also aims to tackle the sale of nicotine products “deliberately targeted at children.” It would see a total ban on vape advertising and prevent anyone born after 2009 from buying tobacco legally. Find out more about the historic Bill  here .  Just this week, a shop in our city was raided and found to be illegally selling vapes 30 times over the legal limit. The government is taking stronger measures to protect our children from youth vaping. More in a Birmingham Live article  here .  I have supported this Bill from the beginning. You can watch my speech from April here:  Spiking From a city-wide roundtable I led on spiking in Birmingham This week, the Prime Minister announced that he will make spiking a new, specific criminal offence. This will send a clear signal that spiking is a crime, and perpetrators should feel the full force of the law, empowering victims to report offences and giving them confidence the justice system will support them. The Prime Minister also demanded coordinated action across the police, transport network and venues to stamp out this cowardly act and take back our streets. This will include training thousands of staff working in the nighttime economy on how to spot and tackle spiking. Find out more here . For years, I’ve been campaigning for stronger protections for women, as everyone should be able to feel safe when they go out at night. I welcome the Government’s commitment to crack down on spiking as part of their mission to stop women from being targeted.  Domestic Abuse Pledging to end violence against women and girls It’s unacceptable that an estimated 2.3 million people in England and Wales are believed to have experienced domestic abuse in the last year.  This Labour government is introducing new New Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO) to ensure more victims receive the protection and support they deserve. Find out more now .  Breakfast Clubs With school children in the constituency The government is committed to offering free breakfast clubs in every primary school in England. Breakfast clubs support children’s attendance and attainment, enabling them to thrive academically and socially.  Primary schools can sign up here . Gambling Fighting for change to reduce gambling harms Gambling addiction ruins lives. It's only right that those who are profiting from gambling are helping to tackle its addiction.    This Labour government is strengthening gambling harm legislation, bringing forward a statutory levy and online slot stake limits of £5 for over 25s and £2 for young adults aged 18 to 24. Gambling businesses will now pay £100 million towards the research preventions and treatment of gambling harms. Find out more here . Employment Rights Bill In the Employment Rights Bill committee This week, the Employment Rights Bill committee has commenced evidence sessions. As a member of the committee, I have been listening to evidence and hearing about how our historic legislation will make work pay and deliver growth across the UK. Find out more about how Labour’s plans to introduce new workplace rights to end unfair employment practices and grow the economy will affect you here .  Assisted Dying This week, after much consideration and consultation with my constituents, I voted against the assisted dying bill in Parliament.  This decision is informed by my experience as a children’s services manager, my personal beliefs and concerns about insufficient safeguards. You can read my full letter detailing my position here.  I spoke to BBC Radio 4 about my position on assisted dying and my relationship between faith and politics. You can listen to the full episode here .  Co-operative Party  With Chancellor Rachel Reeves As Chair of the Co-operative Parliamentary Party I, along with Co-operative MPs, wrote to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to thank her for her support of the co-operative sector. We work with Labour to share the co-operative movement’s priorities and, now in Government, we’re working to deliver a fairer and stronger economy for our communities. You can read my full letter here . Gurpurab Event  At Gurpurab event in Parliament It was wonderful to attend a brilliant Gurpurab event in Parliament hosted by the APPG for British Sikhs. It was a unique opportunity to share the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, on truthful living. Sikhs pray for the betterment of all by living a life devoted to selfless service.  Darts Championship  With Fallon Sherrock at darts event It was great to meet Fallon Sherrock at the Westminster Darts Championship hosted by James Frith MP with Prostate Cancer UK and Paddy Power. 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lives. The risk increases with age and is higher for black men. It can be curable if detected and treated early, so I urge men in my constituency to get checked.  Innocent Drop-in  At the Innocent drop-in It’s not right that two-thirds of the UK population still aren’t consuming enough fruit and veg. It was great to meet Innocent Smoothies in Parliament and to hear about all the work they are doing with early years settings and low-income families to access rose vouchers for fruit and veg.  Carers  At the drop in for Islamophobia Awareness Month I will always champion carers and providers, who do so much brilliant work to provide care in our communities.  It was great to meet with carers in Parliament to discuss the challenges they face on a day to day basis.  Local News Rotton Park Road Shooting I know many of my constituents will be concerned after the fatal shooting on Rotton Park Road at the junction of City Road over the weekend. Another man also remains in hospital and is said to be in a stable condition.  I’m urging anyone with any information, dashcam or mobile phone footage that might be relevant to contact West Midlands Police via the Online Portal or by calling 101 or Live Chat, quoting log 5228 of 22 November. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.  Free Buses From 7pm on 9th to 13th December, you can hop on any bus in the West Midlands for free. This will make it easier to enjoy the season all while showing how great our bus network can be.  Harborne Day Centre This week, I wrote to Cllr Rob Pocock and Council Leader John Cotton to repeat my call for the preservation of Harborne Day Centre. In my letter, I requested a meeting with relevant partners to explore other models of delivery in order to maintain the centre. I have also suggested seeking trailblazer status, which would unlock government support. See my letters below.  Best wishes, Preet Kaur Gill MP Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton

Policing   Outside Quinton Police Station which I fought to get re-opened This week, our Labour government has announced major policing reforms, with neighbourhood policing at the heart. We will introduce a Government performance unit to drive force-level improvements and end the postcode lottery on law and order. We will also bring in a new national policing body and invest half a billion pounds of additional funding in policing next year. Read more here .   We are also introducing new powers to clamp down on anti-social behaviour. Our tough new Respect Orders will root out anti-social behaviour by making sure people face the consequences of their actions. Read more here .   Transport With Keir Starmer on a visit to the constituency about hydrogen buses Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has announced that £100 million will be provided to transport authorities across the West Midlands to deliver better buses. For years, I’ve  been campaigning for the extension of bus routes and more reliable services in my constituency in the face of cuts under the Conservatives. Thanks to this, I managed to extend the X21 bus in Bartley Green, improving connectivity in the area, and I am currently working with residents on re-routing the 48 bus.   A reliable transport network is critical to people’s lives. Every day buses transport our constituents to work; to healthcare appointments; young people to school and college; moving people across our cities, boosting local economies; linking friend with friend and family to family. This new Government has a plan to deliver better buses across the country, and this funding boost is another crucial stop on that journey. Read more here .   It’s also great news that Our Rail Public Ownership Bill has been passed by Parliament. This landmark Bill is the first major step towards publicly owned Great British Railways, which will put passengers first and drive up standards. Read more here .   Children’s Social Care With children from St Mary's School As an ex-children's services manager, I welcome Labour embarking on the biggest reform to children’s social care in a generation. Our care system has suffered from years of drift and neglect, and vulnerable children have been paying the price.   Our Labour government will provide more support for families, crack down on profiteering in the children’s social care industry, introduce stronger regulation for better placements for children and spread opportunity to every child. Read more here .   Leasehold Speaking on freehold estate fees in the Chamber Not a week goes by where a constituent hasn’t written to me about punitive ground rents and charges, or issues with their managing agent. Our Labour government has made clear that we will deliver on our manifesto commitment to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end. Read more here .   In 2019, I presented a Private Members Bill designed to force management companies of housing estates to provide transparency around unregulated “fleecehold” charges. Read more here . Warm Homes Plan Speaking to Politics Live about Labour's plans for cheap, clean energy We are introducing a new Warm Homes Plan to deliver cheaper energy bills and cleaner heat to homes. This will lift one million households out of fuel poverty, and up to 300,000 homes will benefit from upgrades delivering cheaper, cleaner energy. Read more here .   Dirty Money With the Ukranian Ambassador and Prime Minister Keir Starmer Our Labour government is cracking down on dirty money in the UK. We have already sanctioned three notorious kleptocrats who have siphoned wealth from their home countries, as well as their friends, families and fixers who helped them.    Corruption harms societies, undermines security, and lines the pockets of criminals in the UK and across the globe. That’s why this government is committed to working with partners at home and abroad to prevent these criminal practices and pursue those who benefit from the flow of dirty money. Find out more   here .   G20 Keir Starmer with President Lula at the G20 Summit This week, the Prime Minister met world leaders at the G20 Summit in Brazil. The PM used this visit to strengthen ties with the world’s leading economic powers to drive growth and deliver for the British people at home.     Ukraine In Poland at the border with Ukraine 1,000 days since Putin launched his illegal invasion, we have reaffirmed our commitment to Ukraine by expanding military support and funding to provide new drone capabilities. Find out more here .   John Prescott I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of John Prescott, an icon in the Labour movement. So much of John’s work set the path for those of us fortunate enough to follow. From leading climate negotiations, to fighting regional inequality, his legacy will live on well beyond his lifetime. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.   Combat Food Waste   At the Combat Food Waste Reception It was great to attend the Parliamentary Reception to Combat Food Waste hosted by Too Good to Go. More than a third of all food produced is wasted, contributing 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. We must work together to cut food waste and protect our planet.   NHS England At the NHS Parliamentary drop-in It was really interesting to discuss virtual wards in Parliament this week with NHS England and hear more about the different ways that we can harness technology to modernise our health service. Breakfast Clubs With students from St Patrick & St Edmund's Catholic Primary School I'm so proud of St Patrick & St Edmund's Catholic Primary School in my constituency, who won an award for their brilliant free breakfast club. Our Government is committed to rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary school to break down the barriers to opportunity.   Islamophobia Awareness Month At the drop in for Islamophobia Awareness Month November is Islamophobia Awareness Month. This year, the theme is ‘Seeds of Change’ with the goal of emphasising how small actions can lead to big change. We have a collective responsibility to end hate.   Parliament Week In Westminster Hall for UK Parliament Week This week is UK #ParliamentWeek . It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about Parliament, what it does and how you can get involved. This is also a great time to reflect on the history of women's suffrage and the first women getting the right to vote in 1918.   Sainsbury's At the Sainsbury's Parliamentary drop-in At the Sainsbury's Parliamentary drop-in, it was lovely to sign a giant Christmas card dedicated to all the Sainsbury's workers in my constituency at this busy time. Also good to hear about the ways in which Sainsbury's is helping to tackle food insecurity this winter. UoB Celebratory Dinner  With the new UoB Chancellor Sandie Okoro It was fantastic to attend the celebratory dinner for the formal installation of Sandie Okoro as the new Chancellor of the University of Birmingham. A distinguished lawyer and equal rights champion, she is the first woman to hold this role and I am delighted to be working with her alongside Vice Chancellor Adam Tickell.   Life Sciences  With Birmingham Leaders at event hosted by Al Carns MP It was brilliant to meet with Birmingham leaders to discuss our life sciences sector. The new Birmingham Health Innovation Campus will establish our region as the sector’s leading light in Life Sciences research and development.   Assisted Dying   After much reflection, I have decided that I will vote against the Assisted Dying Bill. This decision is informed by both my personal beliefs and concerns about the potential consequences of such a law.    Read my full letter here.   Sikh Remembrance  At the memorial event It was a real honour to lay a wreath in Remembrance for the 84,000 Sikh soldiers who lost their lives for our freedoms and our country. It was wonderful to join my local congregation from Guru Nanak Gurdwara as 20% of the British Indian army were Sikhs. Sikh history is British history.   Birmingham Pub Bombings 50 years on from the horrific attacks of 21 November 1974 on the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town pubs, my thoughts are with all of those affected. The Government and I share the deepest sympathy with the victims’ families and all those affected.   Many families are still awaiting justice. Last year, I, along with Birmingham MPs, called for a Section 1 Inquiry into the Birmingham Pub Bombings.   I have been speaking to the Security Minister who is giving serious consideration to an inquiry and the Home Office will provide an update soon.   Local News Speeding On a speed watch in the constituency For years, I've been campaigning for measures to tackle dangerous driving in Birmingham and campaigning for more averaging cameras on dangerous roads. It's vital that people feel safe using our roads. I’m glad to see that West Midlands Police and our Mayor Richard Parker have pledged to review more speed camera footage in a bid to ensure speeding drivers are punished. This is an important first step. Read more here.     Speed Limit Consultation   I'd encourage my constituents to take part in the council's consultation over the planned reduction of 40mph speed limits to 30mph. Bringing down the speed limit is one way to reduce road harms and make our roads safer for all. Have your say here .   Coffee Morning With constituents at my coffee morning in Quinton last Saturday Over the weekend, I held my first constituency coffee morning in Quinton.   It was wonderful to chat to residents about a variety of issues that affect them. I will be hosting more coffee mornings across all wards, so please do look out for an event coming up near you.   MHWC This Monday, 25th November, the MHWC is visiting Ravenshurst Road, Harborne, B17 9DP. The centre will be open between 7:30 am and 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

PREET KAUR GILL MP OPPOSES ASSISTED DYING BILL Preet Kaur Gill MP has today confirmed that she cannot support the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, introduced by Kim Leadbeater MP. The Edgbaston MP has stated that her decision not to support the Bill has been “informed by both my personal beliefs and my concerns about the potential consequences of such a law”. Please see Gill’s full letter response attached. ENDS

Preet Kaur Gill MP has today backed the Labour Government’s transformative plans to deliver better buses across the West Midlands by providing £100 million in funding across transport authorities in the region.  The investment will protect local routes, protect rural services and increase bus use for shopping, socialising and commuting. The funding will keep fares down and deliver more reliable services.  Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Edgbaston, has been campaigning for the extension of bus routes and more reliable services in her constituency in the face of cuts under the Conservatives. Her work resulted in the extension of the X21 bus in Bartley Green, improving connectivity in the area. She is currently working with residents on re-routing the 48 bus.  Under the Conservatives, bus services in England’s regions outside London collapsed, with thousands of bus services cut, and almost 300 million fewer miles driven by buses per year, since 2010. Across the West Midlands, alone, bus miles declined by 32%. Gill says she frequently travels on the buses in the constituency and understands the impact cuts have had, isolating part of her constituency from the city centre.  Totalling £955 million across England, the funding represents a record level of recent investment for bus improvements for the majority of areas, alongside once-in-a generation reform to deliver London-style bus services to every corner of the country.   This funding announcement comes alongside the Government’s plans to deliver the biggest overhaul to the country’s bus services in a generation, and call time on four decades of failed deregulation.   The Labour Government is giving communities powers to take back control of local bus services by removing barriers to bus franchising and public ownership.   The funding announcement is the latest stop on the Government’s journey to better buses, with a new Buses Bill to be introduced to Parliament in the coming months.   Commenting on the announcement, Preet Kaur Gill MP said:   “I am delighted that the Transport Secretary has confirmed £100 million of new bus funding across our region.   “For years, I have been campaigning to improve the bus service for my constituents because too often buses are running late or not turning up at all. I believe a reliable transport network is critical to people’s lives. Every day buses transport our constituents to work; to healthcare appointments; young people to school and college; moving people across our cities, boosting local economies; linking friend with friend and family to family.  “This new Government has a plan to deliver better buses across the country, and this funding boost is another crucial stop on that journey.”   Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said:   “Buses are the lifeblood of communities, but the system is broken. Too often, passengers are left waiting hours for buses that don’t turn up – and some have been cut off altogether.  “That’s why we’re reforming funding to deliver better buses across the country and end the postcode lottery of bus services. “And it’s why we’re providing over £1bn of funding to keep fares down, protect local routes and deliver more reliable services.   “This is part of our wider plan to put passengers first and give every community the power to take back control of their bus services through franchising or public ownership.   “By delivering better buses, we’ll ensure people have proper access to jobs and opportunities – powering economic growth in every corner of the country.”   ENDS

Growth With Rachel Reeves at IFG event in the West Midlands This week, our Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the biggest set of reforms to the pensions market in decades. These reforms could unlock around £80 billion of investment for infrastructure projects and businesses of the future, boost people’s savings and drive economic growth. Find out more here .  National Youth Strategy With school children in the constituency Our Government has announced that we will have a new National Youth Strategy to break down the barriers to opportunity for young people in every community. Young people will be invited to form part of a national conversation to help co-produce this strategy so that it is by young people, for young people. Find out more here .  Retail crime With shopworkers at a Co-op in the constituency Labour is introducing tough new measures to tackle shoplifting, which is a blight on our communities. We are investing millions of pounds of new money to tackle shoplifting, bringing forward tougher action against criminals who assault retail workers, and recruiting 13,000 additional neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs back on the street. Find out more from Dame Diana Johnson’s speech on antisocial behaviour  here .  Climate At Cop-29 in Azerbaijan, we secured £1 billion investment in offshore wind, which is a major step forward in our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower. It will fire up our industrial heartlands and break down barriers to growth across the country.   Our Prime Minister Keir Starmer also announced our new world-leading target to cut UK emissions by 81%, because there is no national security or economic security without climate security. This commitment will protect future generations, deliver jobs and drive economic growth. Find out more here .  Small Boats We have been delivering on our commitment to secure our borders. This week, a man suspected of being a significant supplier of small boat equipment has been arrested, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the UK’s National Crime Agency and their Dutch and Belgian counterparts. It’s clear that the Government's approach to smashing criminal gangs is already having an impact. Find out more here . NHS Labour is delivering on our mission to build an NHS fit for the future. We are introducing tough reforms to cut waiting times, ensuring every penny of extra investment is well spent, and creating a new NHS league table to improve performance. The public can see improvements being made.   We are also delivering on our pledge to cut waiting lists, with waiting lists falling this week. Since we ended the strikes, we have been ramping up delivery of an extra 40,000 extra appointments every week. With the investment in the Budget, and our tough new accountability measures, we will get patients treated faster. Find out more here .  IFG Public Services Conference   Speaking on the panel at the IFG conference It was great to speak on the panel at the Institute for Government’s public services conference on NHS reform or repair. I spoke about many things, including the Government’s reform agenda which focusses on three main transitions: hospital to community, analogue to digital and sickness to prevention.   You can watch the full event  here.   Co-op Visit With shopworkers at a Co-op in Edgbaston I visited shopworkers at a local Co-operative supermarket in Edgbaston. Under the Conservatives, shoplifting offences skyrocketed. According to Trade Union Usdaw, in the year to June 2024 alone there was a 29% increase in shoplifting offences. The shopworkers I met this week have seen high levels of shoplifting with their own eyes. They’ve faced a wave of abuse, threats, and violence.  It’s not right that shopworkers and customers in my constituency are made to feel unsafe by this rise in crime. Labour has announced new measures to take tough action on those that shoplift or assault shopworkers. A great campaign from the Co-op Party and Usdaw Union. Threats Speaking to ITV about the threats I faced during the General Election I spoke to ITV news about the abuse politicians face on a day-to-day basis.  During the latest election, over half of election reported facing abuse and harassment.  It's not right that politicians have to put up with unacceptable levels of threats, abuse and harassment as part of the job. MPs should be able to serve their constituents without fearing for their safety. You can watch the report and read the accompanying article here .  Asthma and Lung Parliamentary Reception At the Asthma + Lung UK Reception It was great to attend an informative Parliamentary Reception hosted by Asthma + Lung UK. Lung conditions are the third leading cause of death in the UK, and we have the worst death rates in the whole of Europe. Labour’s health mission will ensure that the NHS gets back on its feet and has a relentless focus on prevention.  Remembrance Laying a wreath at St Peter's Church, Harborne On Remembrance Sunday, I laid a wreath at St Peter’s Church, Harborne in honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our values and freedoms. We will remember them.  My message from the Speaker's Remembrance Garden UoB Politics Society With students from the UoB Politics Society I'd like to thank the Politics Society for inviting me to speak at the University of Birmingham last night. It was a great discussion on UK and global politics. It's wonderful to see students engaged in politics and interested in the change a Labour government can bring. Eleanor Crook Foundation With the Eleanor Crook Foundation this week It was great to meet with the Eleanor Crook Foundation in Parliament, who are doing brilliant work to end global malnutrition. Events Coffee Morning Tomorrow, I am hosting a coffee morning at Quinborne Community Centre, 8 Overdale Road, B32 2TW. Drop by if you’d like a chance to meet and chat with me, your local MP.  I will be at the centre between 10 and 11am.  Haven AGM   This Saturday, from 12-2pm, the Haven Community Project is hosting an AGM at The Hub at Faraday Avenue in Quinton, B32 1JP.  Lunch will be provided and it is an opportunity to find out more about what the project is up to.  Quinton Foodbank This Saturday between 4 and 6pm, Quinton foodbank will be collecting at the Harborne Christmas lights switch-on. You can support by donating one or two items from the list below:  Tinned meat/fish  Tinned veg/fruit  Lentils  Coffee/hot chocolate  Milk UHT  Custard  Fruit juice (long-life)  Tinned rice pudding  Jam   Toilet Roll    For more information, contact quinton.foodbank.org.uk .    MHWC Next Monday, 18th November, the MHWC will be visiting Westfield Road, B15 3JF, in Edgbaston. The centre will be open between 7:30am and 1pm, so please do come along if you have bulky household waste to dispose of.  Gurpurab Happy Gurpurab to all Sikhs celebrating. Let us remember Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s timeless message of equality and Sarbat da Bhalla — working for the betterment of all helps our path of unity, compassion and selfless service, spreading peace and kindness in the world. Best wishes, Preet Kaur Gill MP Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton

Preet Kaur Gill MP at a local Co-op in Edgbaston Preet Kaur Gill MP has paid shopworkers a visit at a local Co-operative supermarket in Edgbaston. The visit comes just after Labour announced a raft of tough new measures to protect shopworkers amid a “horrifying” rise in violent attacks last year under the Tories.   Gill is also the Parliamentary Chair of Co-operative MPs. Under the Conservatives, shoplifting offences skyrocketed. According to Trade Union Usdaw, in the year to June 2024 there was a 29% increase in shoplifting offences. Abuse of shop workers soared by 50% over the past year. Usdaw state that nearly a fifth of retail staff suffered a violent attack last year, and nearly half reported they had been threatened with violence. This week, the Labour Government announced measures to reverse the wave of violence on shopworkers: A reversal of the Conservatives’ Shoplifters’ Charter: a rule introduced in 2014 brought in a new category of ‘low-value shoplifting’ to describe the theft of goods worth under £200, meaning the police would not routinely investigate crimes below this threshold.   Millions of pounds of new money to tackle retail crime: the government announced in the Budget that new money will be invested in prevention, training the police and retailers on specific retail crime tactics to stop crime before it happens. An extra £5 million will be invested over three years to crack down on organised shoplifting gangs, funding a specialist analysis team within the National Policing Unit for serious Organised Acquisitive Crime.   Tougher action against criminals that assault retail workers: Labour will legislate for assaults against retail workers a new stand-alone offence. The change is supported by Usdaw union through its ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign. The Co-operative Party and group also support the campaign.  13,000 additional neighbourhood police and PCSOs back on the street and a Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.    Preet Kaur Gill, Labour MP for Edgbaston, said: “After 14 years of Conservatives, too many communities and high streets have been blighted by staggering increases in shoplifting and antisocial behaviour. Retail workers have suffered especially. The shopworkers I have met today have seen record high levels of shoplifting, facing abuse, threats, and violence if they interfere. “It’s not right that shopworkers and customers in my constituency are made to feel unsafe by the rise in retail crime. Labour has introduced a raft of new tough measures to crack down on shoplifting by taking tough action on those that commit retail crime or assault workers.    ENDS    Notes:    Usdaw survey shows a 29 per cent increase in shoplifting across England and Wales: https://www.usdaw.org.uk/latest-news/alarming-29-increase-in-shoplifting/

It has been a big week in politics. In the UK, our Labour government has been delivering the change that people voted for in July. Budget Speaking in the Budget Debate Following the Budget debate, I voted for Labour’s plans for better public services, to bring down waiting lists in the NHS, for more teachers in our state schools, increasing pensions, more police and more money to fix potholes.  Homelessness With regional initiative Wrap Up Brum Our Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has launched an emergency fund for rough sleepers, which will save lives this winter by ensuring rough sleepers have access to a safe and warm bed. Read more here . Education With schoolchildren in the constituency Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson revealed her plans to help children with SEND thrive and to restore parents’ confidence. She announced the appointment of two major new SEND advisers and the creation of an expert group on neurodiversity to improve inclusivity in mainstream schools. Read more here . Health The Government has announced plans to make it illegal to smoke in children’s playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals in England, with some places also becoming vape-free. Smoking remains one of the biggest killers in our country, so we are making it illegal for people born after 1st January 2009 to buy tobacco as part of our ambition to create the first smoke-free generation. Read more here .  We have also announced tougher action on vaping to protect children and young people, with a ban on vape advertising and sponsorship and a ban on disposable vapes from June 2025. Here I am speaking about the scourge of youth vaping in the evidence session of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill:  Asking questions in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill Committee evidence session Immigration Our Prime Minister Keir Starmer will sign new international agreements to smash the criminal smuggling gangs. He has also announced an extra £75 million to tackle people smuggling. Read more here . This is in addition to the work that the work that the government has already been doing to secure our borders. The government has recruited more staff to process asylum claims, announced f urther funding for the National Crime Agency (NCA) to boost border security and doubled funding for the Government's new Border Security Command. Remembrance Ahead of Remembrance Sunday this weekend, Sir Keir Starmer has announced £3.5 million to support veterans facing homelessness, to help them secure employment and independent living, and for specialist mental health support. This Labour government will always stand up for those who serve our country. Read more here .  Elections Donald Trump has won the US Presidential Election. As the closest of allies, our Labour government will continue to work with the US on issues from defence and security to growth and prosperity.  The Conservative Party have also elected their new leader – Kemi Badenoch. It’s a historic moment to see a black woman elected to lead a Westminster party. Nevertheless, it’s clear that Badenoch and the Conservative Party need to face up to the many problems that they have inflicted on the country and that we are still living with.    Politics Midlands Ahead of filming Politics Midlands last Sunday This week, I appeared on BBC Politics Midlands. We spoke about Labour’s first Budget, Kemi Badenoch’s victory in the Tory leadership contest and Birmingham City Council’s finances.  You can watch the full episode  here . Sikh Remembrance Campaign From the Sikh Remembrance Campaign Launch Event It was wonderful to speak at the Sikh Military Foundation’s launch of their WWI Sikh Remembrance campaign at Punjab Restaurant Covent Garden, with my friend Alistair Carns MP.   We remembered the 90,000 Sikhs who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy in both World Wars. My great-grandfather fought in the First World War and my grandfather fought in the Second World War. Sikh history is British history, and our contribution, past and present, should not be forgotten.  With Alistair Carns MP at the event Speaker’s Remembrance Garden  Planting my stake in the Speaker's Remembrance Garden This week, I planted a stake in the Speaker’s Remembrance Garden ahead of Remembrance Day. I dedicated my stake to all the people from Birmingham, Edgbaston who served and scarified their lives for our freedom as well as to the 34th Royal Sikh Regiment in WWI. Lest we forget.   A message from the Remembrance Garden Local News Meeting with Bishop of Birmingham  Meeting Bishop Michael Volland This week, it was wonderful to meet the tenth Bishop of Birmingham, Bishop Michael Volland. It was great to discuss the challenges and opportunities in our region. We also discussed the diversity of our great city and the ways in which faith groups and places of worship bring our communities together.   Free School Meals This week, the council confirmed that plans were being worked on to automatically enrol children in Birmingham who were eligible for free school meals but not currently taking them up.  This is an important intervention by the council that will help to break down the barriers to opportunity. Our Labour government has tripled funding for breakfast clubs to £30m to ensure that every child is ready to learn at the start of the school day, and expanded government-funded childcare with £1.8bn for local authorities.  You can read more here . MHWC Next Thursday, 14th November, the MHWC will be visiting Fountain Road in North Edgbaston, B17 8NL. The centre will be open between 7:30am and 1pm, so please do come along if you have bulky household waste to dispose of!  Harborne Craft Market Harborne Christmas Craft Market will be taking place on 23rd and 24th November between 10am and 4pm at Moorpool Hall in Harborne. There will be handmade arts, crafts, gifts, home baked cakes and more.  Oasis Church Christmas Craft Fair  This December, South Street will be hosting its first ever Christmas Craft Fair.  It’s an opportunity to support and showcase local businesses and craftspeople and for the community to connect and come together. The Fair will be hosted in the Oasis Church building on South Street, and will run from 11am-3pm on Saturday 7th December.    Best wishes, Preet Kaur Gill MP Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton

This week, my friend Rachel Reeves delivered the first Labour budget in 14 years – the first ever budget to be delivered by a female Chancellor. What a historic moment.  This is a Budget that fixes the foundations to deliver change. We are fixing the NHS and rebuilding Britain, while ensuring working people don't face higher taxes in their payslips. Labour's first Budget means hospital waiting lists will be cut and we will invest in Britain's future to rebuild our schools, hospitals and broken roads. And we will do all this by making fairer choices, ensuring that working people don't face higher taxes in their payslips.    Our budget will deliver change for people in the West Midlands.  In our Budget, we have committed to:  Bringing down waiting lists by delivering 40,000 extra appointments a week Expanding government-funded childcare with £1.8bn for local authorities Tripling our investment in breakfast clubs to break down the barriers to opportunity Investing £500m towards fixing our roads Increasing the national minimum wage, which will mean a £1,400 boost to the full-time equivalent pay of over 45,000 people in Birmingham alone Extending the Household Support Fund to help families with the cost of living Keeping the pension Triple Lock, meaning pensioners will be up to £470 better off next year Delivering on HS2, connecting Birmingham and London Euston Bringing investment into our region to generate growth and create jobs for local people You can find more detail about the budget here .  Budget Debate My speech in the Budget debate On Wednesday, I spoke in the debate following the Chancellor’s announcement of the budget.  I welcome the Chancellor’s plans to fix the foundations of the country and her commitments to investing in the West Midlands. I have the largest hospital trust in the country in my constituency (University Hospitals Birmingham), so I want to thank the Chancellor for announcing funding to support the delivery of two million extra NHS operations, scans and appointments to cut waiting lists across England. I can’t describe how much this means for people in my constituency – not just the many NHS staff whose morale has been ground into a fine dust over the last 14 years. I have constituents who have died waiting for treatment and I know a case of one child who lost her sight waiting for an appointment.  You can read my full speech here .  Presentation of Bills Presenting Bills in the Chamber This week, I presented two bills to Parliament. I presented the Registration of Death (Religion) Bill, which would mean religious data would be collected as part of the death registration process.    I also presented the Firearms (3D Printing) Bill, which would make it an offence to possess a blueprint for the production of a firearm for 3D printing. This would help to reduce firearm offences and deaths across the country.  Moroccan Ambassador  With the Moroccan Ambassador in Portcullis House It was lovely to meet with the Moroccan Ambassador to the UK, Hakim Hajoui, in Parliament this week. It was good to talk about how the two nations can work together to support mutual growth.  Barford Tigers At the Barford Tigers fundraising dinner Over the weekend, it was brilliant to attend the charity fundraiser for Barford Tigers Hockey Club, a new community hub in Handsworth. The club will provide much-needed hockey and football pitches, as well as space for indoor activities for people across Birmingham to enjoy.  Assisted Dying This week, I held a meeting with constituents who have written in to me about assisted dying, ahead of the Assisted Dying Bill’s second reading. It was important to hear more about the different views held by people. Local News Harborne Day Centre I appeared on ITV Central sending a message to the commissioner This week, I met with Max Caller, Birmingham City Council commissioner, and asked him to consider co-operative models so we can retain Harborne Day Centre and the libraries in my constituency.  I also appeared on ITV Central questioning his decision to block a call-in request over the planned closure of Harborne Day Centre, which is preventing democratic scrutiny. The centre is a lifeline for carers as well as the people who use the centre, many of whom have complex needs that cannot be met elsewhere. We must consider a partnership approach in order to save our assets.  You can read more here . Diwali At the Diwali reception in Parliament I want to wish a very happy Diwali to my many wonderful constituents, and everyone who is celebrating across the UK and around the world.  Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness. This celebration is particularly poignant at a time when we are seeing so much conflict in the world.  It was great to join the House of Commons speaker for a lovely Diwali celebration in Parliament.  Bandi Chhor Divas Celebrating Bandi Chhor Divas last year I want to wish everyone celebrating a wonderful Bandi Chhor Divas.  Today, Sikhs commemorate the day Guru Hargobind Singh was released from prison, where he also had 52 Hindu kings released, honouring the Sikh commitment to freedom, justice and human rights. Our Gurus were revered given the many wars they fought against the Mughals as defenders of faith, human rights and the right to self-determination. This was a pivotal chapter in Indian history.  Best wishes, Preet Kaur Gill MP Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton

This week, our Labour government has continued to deliver on the change people voted for on 4th July.  Make Work Pay This week, I voted for the Employment’s Rights Bill to update the UK’s outdated employment laws and turn the page on an economy blighted by insecurity, poor productivity and low pay. Our plan to Make Work Pay will end exploitative zero hours contracts and fire and rehire practices, establish day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers, and strengthen statutory sick pay.   The Bill will also be beneficial for employers, helping to keep people in work, reduce recruitment costs for employers by increasing staff retention and levelling the playing field on enforcement. Find out what the Employment Rights Bill means for you here .  DEFRA News At Edgbaston Reservoir We have launched an Independent Water Commission to review the water industry and ensure we bring in the regulations necessary to clean up our waterways. This comes after new data reveals the number of hours of sewage spilling into our waterways in Birmingham, Edgbaston skyrocketed by 59%, to 360 hours in 2023, compared to 213 in 2022.   The recommendations from the review will form the basis of further legislation to attract long-term investment and clean up our waters for good – injecting billions of pounds into the economy, speeding up delivery on infrastructure to support house building and water scarcity. More information   here . Football Governance Bill At the Carabao Cup Final We have introduced a Football Governance Bill, taking on rogue owners, helping put clubs on a sound financial footing and putting fans back at the heart of the game. New powers in the Bill will deliver on our manifesto commitments and include consulting fans on ticket pricing, home stadium relocations, and fan representation at clubs. More information here .   Sentencing Review With police officers in North Edgbaston We've launched a landmark Sentencing Review to end the prison crisis and ensure no government is forced into the emergency release of prisoners again. This forms part of the Government’s pledge to always have the prison places needed to lock up the most dangerous offenders, alongside its commitment to build 14,000 prison spaces. More information here .  Child Poverty Strategy At Quinton Baby Bank Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson published the framework for developing this Government’s ambitious new child poverty strategy. Tackling child poverty is both a moral imperative and crucial to building a stronger society and economy. Driving down child poverty will transform lives and communities and is at the heart of our Opportunity Mission: breaking the link between young people’s backgrounds and their future success.  More information here . NHS Change Consultation Outside Queen Elizabeth Hospital Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have launched the biggest consultation in NHS history. This is open to everyone. If you’re a member of the public, a patient, or someone who works in health and social care in England, tell us how the NHS needs to change. You can do so here .  British Gas Speaking to British Gas in Parliament This week, I met with British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust in Parliament to discuss how my constituents can keep their homes warm this winter. Anyone in the constituency struggling with their energy bills should contact my office on 0121 392 8426.  Co-operative Party Event With Co-operative colleagues in Parliament It was great to meet with the Co-operative Party Parliamentary Group this week as Chair of the Parliamentary Co-op Party. This week, we heard from Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of the Co-op Group, and discussed how to double the co-operative sector. University of Birmingham At the launch event for UoB's new initiative It was great to visit the University of Birmingham to learn about their new initiative for creating school-wide approaches and to meet the young people who they have worked on this project with. The university has been working with primary school children to develop a school-wide approach to emotional wellbeing which reflects the things that matter most to the children. The children, alongside the University of Birmingham research team, led by Senior Fellow, Dr Jo Ellins, have now designed and developed a practical resource and a mapping tool to help them turn the aspiration of co-producing a whole school approach (WSA) into a reality.  National Day of Action With residents at the National Day of Action at the Red Shed in North Edgbaston I was really grateful to have been invited by my constituent Alison Thompson to discuss green issues with residents on the National Day of Action with Greenpeace and Climate Coalition at the Red Shed in North Edgbaston. Our Labour Government has already lifted the ban on onshore wind, unblocked solar schemes and introduced the GB Energy Bill to deliver cleaner and more secure energy. Synthetic Opioids This week's Big Issue This week, I spoke to the Big Issue about the deadly threat that synthetic opioids pose to our city, especially our more vulnerable residents. It is a tragedy that last summer 21 deaths in Birmingham were linked to nitazenes, a strong synthetic opioid.  It’s vital that first responders and police officers carry naloxone, which can save people experiencing drug overdoses, and are trained how to use it because we know it saves lives. It’s also essential that to reduce the harm caused by these substances, we increase awareness of their dangers. I’m glad that the new government is updating its education resources to include an increased emphasis on the risks of synthetic drugs.  You can read the article here .  Harborne Day Centre Outside Harborne Day Centre I have been fighting to save Harborne Day Centre in my constituency because it is a vital resource for carers and those who use it, many of whom have complex needs that cannot be met elsewhere. By rejecting “call in” requests from councillors to challenge the closure of Harborne Day Centre, city council commissioners have attempted to shut down democratic scrutiny.   I asked the Commissioner to meet with me to explore other options for the centre. More in an article by Birmingham Live . You can also read my letter in full below.  Libraries Outside Bartley Green Library I am really disappointed by the new proposals being put forward by Birmingham City Council for libraries in my constituency. These new plans would mean that there would be no full-time library offer in my constituency.  I am still waiting for the council to meet with me to discuss a community partnership model for libraries in Harborne and Bartley Green. I am working with residents to set up a Friends of Harborne Library Group and am encouraging people to get in touch if they are interested in joining a Friends of Bartley Green Library group. You can express your interest here .  Read my latest statement on library closures in full.  Local News Mariner Avenue On a weekly doorknock in North Edgbaston, I met residents on Mariner Avenue who raised an issue with the temporary lights at the corner of Mariner Avenue and Monument Road. I wrote to the council on their behalf and am glad that now these temporary lights are scheduled to be replaced with a permanent Belisha Beacon crossing in November. MHWC Next week, the MHWC will be visiting George Road in Edgbaston, B15 1PJ, on Monday 28th October, and Glyn Road in Quinton, B32 2TA, on Wednesday 30th October. The centre will be open between 7:30 am and 1:00 pm, so please do come along if you have bulky household waste to dispose of!   Harborne Craft Market Harborne Christmas Craft Market will be taking place on 23rd and 24th November between 10am and 4pm at Moorpool Hall in Harborne. There will be handmade arts, crafts, gifts, home baked cakes and more.    Best wishes, Preet Kaur Gill MP Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton

Preet Kaur Gill MP at Edgbaston Reservoir After 14 years of neglect under the Conservatives, Britain's rivers, lakes and seas are in an unacceptably poor state.  Since taking office, the Labour government has taken urgent action to crack down on polluting water companies, introducing major new legislation with powers to bring criminal charges against water bosses and ban bonuses. Yesterday (Wednesday 23rd October), the UK and Welsh Labour Governments launched a new Independent Water Commission to review the water industry and ensure we bring in the regulations necessary to clean up our waterways. It follows the publication of data that reveals record levels of sewage were pumped into Britain's rivers in 2023, the final full year of the Conservative government.   The number of hours of sewage spilling into our waterways in Birmingham, Edgbaston skyrocketed by 59%, to 360 hours in 2023, compared to 213 in 2022.  The Independent Water Commission will report back next year with recommendations to the Government on how to tackle the challenges we have inherited, and those of the future, to restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health.   The recommendations will form the basis of further legislation to attract long-term investment and clean up our waters for good – injecting billions of pounds into the economy, speeding up delivery on infrastructure to support house building and addressing water scarcity.   The Commission will be chaired by Jon Cunliffe, former Deputy Bank of England Governor, with decades of economic and regulatory experience.   Preet Kaur Gill, the Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Edgbaston said:   "The state of our local rivers and waterways in Birmingham, Edgbaston is a disgrace. After 14 years of the Conservatives failing to get a grip on polluting water companies, I am proud that Labour in government is taking urgent action to clean up this mess.   "Having already introduced tough new laws to hold water bosses criminally responsible for illegal sewage dumping, this new Independent Commission will help us take the necessary action to clean up our waterways for good."  Launching the review, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said:   “After years of neglect, our waterways are now in an unacceptable state and our water system urgently needs fixing. “That is why today we have launched a Water Commission to attract the investment we need to clean up our waterways and speed up infrastructure delivery. "Following the Commission’s conclusion, the Government will introduce ambitious legislation to restore confidence in the sector once and for all.”   ENDS

“I am disappointed by the new proposals being put forward by Birmingham City Council for libraries in my constituency. These new plans would mean that there would be no full-time library offer in my constituency. “I am still waiting for the council to meet with me to discuss a community-partnership model for libraries in Harborne and Bartley Green. It’s vital that the council meet with me and residents to discuss this proposal. Our communities must be allowed to have a stake in public assets. The co-operative model has shown how this can work.  “It is important that residents have a say. I will be feeding into the council’s consultation and encouraging my constituents to do the same. Working together I know we can find a solution to save our libraries”   ENDS