Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 11 April
- Preet Kaur Gill MP
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Support for Carmakers
Prime Minister Keir Starmer with carmakers at JLR base in Solihull
On Monday, the Prime Minister visited the West Midlands to unveil a raft of new policies to support automobile firms after the US announced a 25% tariff on cars. Jaguar Land Rover, which has a base in Solihull, announced last week that they would pause shipments to the US until they can address new trading terms.
The Prime Minister told workers at the Solihull factory that he would back workers to the hilt, and pledged a new wave of support for the sector. This included relaxed rules around fines for those who do not sell enough electric cars – and supercars, like Aston Martin cars, will be exempted. He reinstated the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, but regulations around manufacturing targets on electric cars and vans will be tweaked to help firms in transition.
In his speech, Starmer also announced a £2.3 billion boost for manufacturing zero emissions vehicles. This will support Rolls-Royce, Vauxhall and Land Rover in the face of Trump’s tariffs.
We are disappointed the United States has introduced global tariffs – which will clearly have an economic impact here and across the world. We are fully focused on negotiating an economic deal with the United States that strengthens our existing fair and balanced trading relationship and mitigates some of the impact of what has been announced.
The Department of Business and Trade has asked businesses to share their views on potential UK measures responding to the new US tariffs. Find further information and how to respond here.
In the House of Commons, I commended the government for acting decisively to give British carmakers certainty and support. Watch my intervention below.
State Pension Increase
With elderly residents at a Harborne care facility
From this week, millions of pensioners are set to receive a £470 boost to their state pensions. This comes after the government confirmed a 4.1% increase in the state pension for 2025/6.
This Labour Government is committed to delivering for our pensioners – ensuring their financial stability through the triple lock, fixing our NHS and public services, and targeting support towards those who need it most. Read more here.
GPs
Outside Jiggins Lane Medical Centre
I’m thrilled that new figures show that over 1,503 extra GPs have been hired through our new scheme since 1 October. This major recruitment boost came after this Labour government removed red tape which made it difficult for surgeries to hire doctors.
The increased GP capacity will help fix the front door of the NHS and increase appointments to bring back the family doctor. This milestone comes after successfully cutting waiting lists by 219,000 and delivering 3 million NHS appointments. Read more here.
Israel-Gaza
Intervening in Parliament to show express my support for my colleagues
In the House of Commons, I paid tribute to two Labour MPs – my friends and colleagues – who were refused entry to Israel last Saturday.
I asked the Minister if he agreed with me that it's essential delegations can visit the region, as that is the only way that we listen, learn and are exposed to a wide range of views.
Bins
Speaking to ITV Central about the bin strike at the end of last week
The current industrial action in the city is causing misery and disruption to local residents, with waste building up on the streets during these strikes. Worryingly, this is causing serious public health risks to the city’s most vulnerable.
In parts of my constituency, small piles of rubbish have transformed into huge mounds of flytipping over the last few weeks.
Yesterday, Angela Rayner urged striking Birmingham bin workers to accept an improved deal. I have also been calling for Unite to get back around the table and bring an end to these strikes.
It is in the interest of all parties, and most importantly it is for the benefit of Birmingham’s residents, that this industrial action is brought to a close in a meaningful and sustainable way as soon as possible.
We need to reform the waste service so that it represents good value for the taxpayer. The strikes must end now – there is a fair deal on the table.
Police
At a morning briefing with West Midlands Police
On Thursday, the government introduced plans to make communities safer and restore trust in policing by putting police officers back in our neighbourhoods.
New measures will ensure every community will have dedicated and specialist neighbourhood policing teams, ending the postcode lottery. We will also ensure a named, contactable officer is brought in for every area.
Our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will put 13,000 more officers into neighbourhood policing roles by 2029, an increase of more than 50%. As part of this, West Midlands Police is set to get 150 more neighbourhood police officers, and an additional 20 police community support officers. Read more here.
Universal Theme Park
I welcome news that this government has secured a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the country on the global stage.
Set to open in 2031, the theme park will form part of a new planned entertainment resort, due to include immersive storytelling, rides, attractions and hospitality.
This is a massive vote of confidence in our country, and is estimated to bring a £50bn boost for the economy. It will also combine local and national growth, creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism. Read more here.
Vaisakhi
It was a pleasure to attend a wonderful Vaisakhi event, hosted by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at No 10. Downing Street.
Sikhs make a huge contribution to Britain, and at the event, the PM affirmed his respect for Sikh values of fairness, equality, service and justice.
I would like to wish everyone celebrating on Sunday a happy and peaceful Vaisakhi.
Local News
Exempt Accommodation
With residents and Cllr Sharon Thompson outside problematic property Saif Lodge
The explosion of under-regulated exempt accommodation in Birmingham is an issue I have been raising for years. Campaigning with the council, the police and residents, we shut down the problem hostel Saif Lodge in my constituency, secured debates in Parliament, compiled and submitted evidence to Ministers, and helped finally secure legislative change.
After repeated delays under the Tories, I am pleased that Labour are finally getting on with the job of introducing these reforms. It's not right that those who are paid to house some of the most vulnerable in society don't have to meet robust minimum standards of care, quality or support.
As pilots in Birmingham have shown, poor provision is rife, and it is no wonder some properties have become magnets for antisocial behaviour and crime.
I look forward to working with the government to bring in these long overdue reforms. Vulnerable adults deserve better support; residents deserve safer neighbourhoods; and the taxpayer deserves assurances their money is going to those who need it most.
I spoke to Birmingham Live about the exempt issue in our city. Read the full article here.
West Midlands Innovation Accelerator
Meeting entrepreneurs in health tech with Mayor Richard Parker
It’s excellent news that the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator has been given £10 million from the Government. This money will go towards providing expert advice and grants to help develop products and technologies in the region.
I visited several businesses taking part in the health tech innovation accelerator with our Mayor Richard Parker earlier this year. It was a pleasure to meet so many inspiring entrepreneurs pioneering breakthroughs in health tech.
Bunting
Downing Street is inviting schools and young people across the country to take part in a special creative competition to design bunting for 10 Downing Street for VE Day. They want to see bunting designs that are “colourful, patriotic, and full of creativity and heart”. Find out more and how to take part here.
Labour’s Plan for Change
We have been delivering for working people through our Plan for Change. Here’s some more things our Labour government just delivered:
Three million workers got a pay rise this week through increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage
First 300 new school-based nurseries announced
1,000 flood defence projects announced, protecting 66,500 properties
Extra £617 million over two years for community pharmacies
£302 million cash injection to fix further education colleges
24,000 people returned with no right to be here since the General Election (including 3,500 criminals)
Confirmation of 500,000 vital NHS appointments and operations saved by ending strikes straight after the General Election
Best wishes,
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Preet Kaur Gill MP
Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton
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