Weekly Update - 30 January 2026 |
|
|
This Week the Government Announced... |
|
|
Leaseholder reform announced |
|
|
Welcoming Armed Forces Bill |
|
|
The government presented a Bill to renew the Armed Forces Act 2006, including provisions for the Armed Forces Covenant, Defence Housing, Reserve Forces, and the disciplinary system. This Bill creates a new Defence Housing Service that puts forces and their families first, backed by a landmark £9 billion strategy to build, renew and repair tens of thousands of military homes. The legislation will establish a publicly-owned Defence Housing Service, which will turbocharge a generational renewal of nine in ten forces homes while kickstarting the development of 100,000 homes on surplus defence land, with personnel and veterans the first in line.
See my speech in Parliament on the Armed Forces Bill debate above.
Read more here: Armed Forces Bill 2026 - GOV.UK |
|
|
National Year of Reading 2026 |
|
|
Reading matters and for most of us, a love of reading starts early at home, with family. That’s why the Government has launched the National Year of Reading, working with the National Literacy Trust, to put reading back at the heart of family life. This isn’t about pushing one idea of reading. It’s about showing that reading connects to what people already love whether that’s music, sport, food, films or hobbies. The year will bring together families, schools, libraries, businesses and community ambassadors to make reading feel enjoyable, relevant and accessible.
At its heart is a simple ask: families reading together for just 10 minutes a day. That small habit can make a real difference building strong literacy skills, helping children start school ready to learn, and giving them the confidence to achieve and thrive Read more about how to get involved here: Get involved | National Year of Reading 2026 | Go All In |
|
|
Major Policing reforms announced |
|
|
The home secretary has announced a blueprint for reforming what she called the "broken" policing model in England and Wales. Shabana Mahmood confirmed the shake-up will create a new National Police Service (NPS) to fight the most complex cross-border crime and could also see the number of local forces in England and Wales cut by about two-thirds. She also intends to make better use of technology including the "largest-ever rollout of facial recognition". This government's reforms will ensure we have the right policing in the right place. As part of the changes, the Home Office is funding 40 more Live Facial Recognition vans after the technology proved successful in South Wales and London, making them available in all parts of England and Wales. There are also plans to set up a new National Centre for AI in policing. The idea is to develop new AI tools for police officers to help with things like going through CCTV footage and transcribing and redacting documents.
There are also plans to create a National Police Service, referred to as the British FBI, which will free up forces to tackle everyday crime.
The proposed new NPS will bring together the existing National Crime Agency (NCA) and Counter Terrorism Policing, as well as take in some functions currently carried out by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), the National Police Air Service (NPAS), and the College of Policing. Read more about the changes here: From local to national: a new model for policing - GOV.UK |
|
|
Prioritising UK Medical Graduates for NHS training |
|
|
The Government's Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill will ensure a sustainable NHS workforce, cut our reliance on foreign labour, halve competition for places, provide continuity of care for patients, and give homegrown talent a path to become the next generation of NHS doctors. We are proud of the NHS as an international employer. People from around the world want to come and work in our health and care services. They have contributed so much. However, poaching doctors from countries which desperately need them, while we have brilliant and willing recruits who can’t get jobs, is morally unacceptable. I spoke in Parliament backing British trained medical graduates. When we spend £4bn a year training doctors, British graduates should not be pushed aside for the very NHS jobs they trained for.
Read more here: New Bill to prioritise UK medical graduates for NHS training - GOV.UK |
|
|
Free AI skill courses available |
|
|
Free artificial intelligence training is being made available to everyone in the UK as the government steps up efforts to prepare the workforce for rapid technological change. The technology secretary, Liz Kendall, said the government's aim was to ensure people benefit from AI rather than being left behind by it. Every adult in the UK is eligible to take free, courses to gain practical AI skills for work. You can try a range of different courses from basic skills in AI including: Drafting text, creating content and completing administrative tasks. For more information on how to sign up visit: https://aiskillshub.org.uk/aiskillsboost/
Read more here: https://news.sky.com/story/uk-rolls-out-free-ai-training-but-will-it-save-your-job-13499866 |
|
|
Holocaust Memorial Day - 27 January |
|
|
This week we remember the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust, and all those persecuted by the Nazis. We honour the survivors and their courage and recommit to challenging antisemitism. Read more here: world.hmd.org.uk/lightthedarkness |
|
|
Biggest Vet Sector reforms in 60 years |
|
|
Millions of pet owners and vet professionals across the country will benefit from major reforms to the veterinary sector – the first overhaul in sixty years. The reforms help households understand what they are paying for, avoid unexpected costs and choose the best value care for their pets. They come after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found problems in the veterinary market could be costing households up to £1 billion over five years. The CMA found that vet fees have risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation – this is why the government is taking action. The proposals will make the system clearer, fairer and more transparent for owners – while supporting veterinary professionals alike. Read more here: Pet owners to benefit from biggest vet sector reforms in 60 years - GOV.UK |
|
|
Thousands more to get warm, secure social housing |
|
|
Thousands more families will get the keys to quality social and affordable homes under the biggest boost to grant funding in a generation, along with energy-saving standards to cut the cost of living for millions of social tenants. New funding and financial flexibilities has been offered for councils and other providers to accelerate social and affordable housebuilding. The funding will upgrade standards to tackle damp, mould and poor insulation and cut the cost of living, including energy bills, for tenants. Read more here: Thousands more families to get warm, secure social homes - GOV.UK |
|
|
New and upgraded grassroots sport facilities to get the UK active |
|
|
New investment from the government, means nearly 1,000 community projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are benefiting from new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities.
The investment is delivering all-weather, multi-sport pitches, floodlighting, goalposts, changing pavilions and community hubs, improving accessibility and sustainability. At least 50% of funding is directed to the 30% most deprived communities, helping to tackle long-standing inequalities in access to sport.
The facilities are designed to break down barriers to participation, particularly for women and girls and other under-represented groups. New and refurbished sites will provide low-cost, local opportunities for families to stay active, supporting physical and mental health. It underlines the importance of Grassroots sport and the vital role it plays in bringing communities together, supporting wellbeing and health. Read more here: New and upgraded grassroots sport facilities to get the UK active - GOV.UK |
|
|
Tackling Dodgy Bob shops on our high streets |
|
|
Dodgy Bob shops are blighting our high streets. My constituents are fed up. I asked the Chancellor what the Government is doing to address money laundering and financial crimes. Watch my question to the Chancellor above. |
|
|
This week I met with Unite the Union and other Birmingham MPs to discuss the ongoing bin strike dispute.
It is important we resolve this issue and I urge the Council and the union workers to come together and find a solution that works for all of Birmingham. Watch my full speech above in Westminster Hall or on Youtube here: Preet Kaur Gill MP on Birmingham Bins debate |
|
|
I spoke with ITV Central about the ongoing bin dispute. It is important we resolve this for Birmingham bringing together the union and the council to come to a solution which benefits the people of Birmingham.
Watch my appearance above. |
|
|
On Wednesday I joined the BBC Politics Live panel to discuss Britain’s relationship with China, Illegal dump sites, and Immigration.
You can watch my full appearance here: https://youtu.be/bol95ji0O0Y |
|
|
West Midlands trains to be nationalised from Sunday |
|
|
The government has announced London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway will be publicly run from Sunday 1st February 2026. The two services, operated by West Midlands Trains (WMT), will join Great British Railways, the new publicly owned body set to run the UK's rail network. Read more here: West Midlands Railway joins publicly owned Great British Railways - BBC News |
|
|
Have your say on Pride in Place funding for Woodgate Bartley Green |
|
|
Calling on Woodgate and Bartley Green residents - I want to hear how you think the £20 million Pride in Place investment should be spent. After years of campaigning I've secured £20 million for Woodgate and Bartley Green as part of the Pride in Place programme. Woodgate and Bartley Green have long faced challenges with limited opportunities for young people, and closure of community facilities. This investment aims to reverse years of underfunding, and rebuilding pride in local neighbourhoods. I'm asking residents to share their thoughts on how the money should be used. It could be for more youth services, a community hub, improved outdoor spaces or more support for skills and employment. All ideas are welcome and will inform the plans for how the funding will be spent with the goal to benefit as many residents as possible. Please complete the survey here. |
|
|
15% Business rate reduction for pubs |
|
|
I'm pleased that the Government has listened to concerns on business rates by giving pubs 15% reduction its new business rates bill from April. I raised the issue in a letter to the Chancellor earlier this month about the unintended consequences of costs for the hospitality sector. Hospitality businesses are the cornerstone of our high streets, they provide jobs and opportunities for people to improve their livelihoods. We need to ensure we have a business rates system that supports rather than undermines our high streets and local economies.
Read more here: Pubs and Live Music Venues Relief - GOV.UK |
|
|
Royal Mail delivery issue |
|
|
I’ve heard from constituents about ongoing issues with post not being delivered. This is unacceptable and residents deserve a reliable postal service. I have raised these concerns directly with the Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, Blair McDougall, and have written to Royal Mail, copying the Minister in, to demand answers and urgent action. I will continue to press for this to be resolved and will keep constituents updated. Read the full letter here: Letter to Minister and Royal Mail on post disruption |
|
|
Meeting with Asset Management Team at Council |
|
|
Following my successful campaign to save Harborne Library, I am continuing to work on residents’ behalf to secure its future. I am working closely with the Council’s Asset Management team to ensure the library, which is staying open as a direct result of my interventions, can access capital funding to address necessary building repairs and support wider community use. This week, I met with officers to discuss an increase in library opening hours,given the Government’s new multi-year funding settlement. I have also met with the leader of the council to discuss this further. I discussed my proposals for the vacant land at Queen’s Park and discussed the steps that now need to be taken to move this forward. |
|
|
HMO Gordon Road, Harborne - REFUSED |
|
|
A planning application for continued use as a large Home of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) has been refused by the council. The proposed Home of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) has been rejected by Birmingham City Council. Thanks to my constituents for working with me to raise the issue and for enabling us to share concerns about the application with planning officers. |
|
|
Visit to Practice Plus in Birmingham World |
|
|
It was great to visit Marks & Spencer in Harborne and speak directly with staff about the issues that matter to them. We discussed how M&S supports the local economy, the changes they’re making to the food they stock to meet customer needs, and the opportunities they provide through apprenticeships and skills development in the store.
It was really insightful to hear first hand from employees about their experiences and the important role the store plays in our community. |
|
|
Visited Lordswood Boys' School |
|
|
I visited Lordswood Boys’ School with Parminder Garcha, Deputy Director at the Department for Education in the West Midlands, to meet staff and talk about how the school and the Department can continue working closely together. We discussed the positive changes the school has made, the fantastic opportunities now available for the boys, and the strong leadership driving improvements in education and outcomes. |
|
|
British workers to be put first in medical training as 25,000 foreign doctors apply - Daily Express |
|
|
I spoke in the debate on the medical prioritisation Bill to set out my support for prioritising British workers in medical training.
I have always believed that a strong state must be rooted in work, contribution and fairness. This Government is clear that policy must work for Britain, for our NHS, and for British workers. Where it no longer meets those tests, it is right and responsible to review it.
Read the full article here: British workers first in medical training as 25,000 foreigners apply | Politics | News | Express.co.uk |
|
|
Here’s nine things the Government delivered in England last week:
🏠 Warm Homes Plan will deliver £15 billion of public investment, upgrading up to 5 million homes, cutting energy bills and lifting 1 million families out of fuel poverty by 2030 🩺 We are ending the cancer postcode lottery, boosting cancer specialists in rural and coastal areas and rolling out new standards and tech so patients get diagnosed and treated faster 🎭 Our £1.5 billion investment in museums, arts and culture is spreading opportunity and backing creativity in local communities 💧 The Water White Paper sets out reforms to the water sector to increase transparency and accountability and fix long-standing failures for customers ⚖️ We're strengthening protections for victims by guaranteeing free access to sentencing transcripts for all 💼 Chancellor Rachel Reeves secured £1.5 billion in new private investment, to back British jobs and growth 🎓 Our new International Education Strategy will grow education exports to £40 billion a year by 2030, supporting UK jobs and global competitiveness 🚀 British scale-ups are being backed with a major growth package, including the largest ever British Business Bank investment, funding for Life Sciences and Deep Tech, and action to cut red tape 🔍 We're deploying expert teams to tackle waste and inefficiency in public services, reforming duplication in healthcare, homelessness and youth provision As always, if you have an issue you'd like to discuss, please contact my office at 0121 392 8426 or [email protected], or through my website. |
|
|
Preet Kaur Gill MP Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton Promoted by David Evans on behalf of the Labour Party, 20 Rushworth Street, London SE1 0SS |
|
|
Follow Preet Kaur Gill MP | |
|
|
|
|
