Crime and Policing Bill
With Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko
On Tuesday, we brought forward one of the biggest legislative updates to policing for decades with our Crime and Policing Bill.
Our bill includes measures to address the highest-harm crimes impacting society, such as knife crime, violence against women and girls, cybercrime, child sexual abuse and terrorism. It also gives police new powers against theft of mobile phones – no longer needing a warrant to search properties where stolen items have been electronically geolocated.
Our bill will treat violence against women and girls as the national emergency it is, strengthen Stalking Protection Orders, introduce a new criminal offence covering spiking and bar registered sex offenders from changing their name where they continue to pose a threat.
The bill places significant focus on protecting high streets. There will be increased powers to crack down on repeat antisocial behaviour offenders, with new Respect Orders banning those prolific offenders from our town centres. Police will also be given the power to seize vehicles that cause havoc to communities, allowing them to deal with the scourge of off-road bikes in public parks and dangerous e-scooters on pavements.
As Parliamentary Chair of the Co-operative Party, I’m glad the Government is taking forward a Co-operative and Usdaw campaign and creating a specific offence for assault against retail workers. The effective immunity for shop theft of goods below £200 will also be scrapped. You can read more about what the bill will do here.
PM Keir Starmer meeting with President Trump
Yesterday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer had a very successful meeting with US President Donald Trump in the White House.
The leaders discussed their special relationship between their two nations and their commitment to shared security and prosperity. They also spoke about the fair, balanced and reciprocal economic relationship that the two countries enjoy, and agreed their teams should work together to deepen this relationship, and to work to agree a trade deal focussed on tech.
The leaders agreed that on Ukraine, talks must work towards a lasting peace. The Prime Minister said the UK is ready to play a leadership role on supporting Ukraine’s future security.
The President also accepted an invitation on behalf of His Majesty the King for an unprecedented second State Visit to the United Kingdom. Read more about the visit here.
National Security
We are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our country and our continent. Global instability, Russian aggression in Ukraine, increasing threats from malign actors, climate change and rapid technological disruption have all contributed to a rapidly deteriorating security landscape.
Resolving the Ukraine crisis through protecting its sovereignty is imperative for European security. On the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, we have stepped up our support. We committed to boosting military aid, extending the UK’s training programme for Ukrainian troops, and have announced the largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022.
As a leading European power, the UK must step up to safeguard continental security on an enduring basis. That is why this Labour Government is increasing defence investment to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027.
You can read Keir Starmer’s full speech here.
GPs
Outside University Hospitals Birmingham
Rebuilding our broken NHS starts with GPs. I’m thrilled that our government has agreed a new deal for GPs – the first since the pandemic.
By slashing red tape, we will free up GPs and take the first steps to end the 8am scramble for appointments. We will modernise general practice by requiring surgeries to allow patients to request appointments online, freeing up the phones for those who need them most.
We will also bring back the family doctor, enabling patients to request to see their regular doctor for each appointment, backed by the biggest funding boost for General Practice in years. You can read more here.
Dentistry
After 14 years of Conservatives, it has become near impossible to get an NHS dental appointment. Statistics show that around 1 in 4 patients who tried to see an NHS dentist in the past 2 years were unable to do so.
This government is delivering on its mission to provide 700,000 extra urgent dental appointments, with a target of 9,000 appointments in Birmingham. We will rebuild dentistry – focusing on prevention, retention of NHS dentists and reforming the NHS contract to make NHS work more appealing to dentists and increase capacity for more patients. You can read more here.
Water
This week, we passed a new law banning bonuses for water bosses who pollute our rivers, lakes and seas.
The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 will give regulators new powers to take tougher and faster action to crack down on water companies damaging the environment and failing their customers. You can read more about the Act here.
This is just the beginning. The Government is inviting the public, environmental groups, investors and others to have their say on future changes to the water sector. The Independent Water Commission will report back later this year to shape new laws that will transform our water system so we can clean up our rivers, lakes, and seas for good. Find out more and send in your comments here.
Skills England
This week, I voted to create Skills England, to support local areas to develop the skilled workforces they need. Our plans will kickstart economic growth, by opening up new opportunities for young people and enabling British businesses to recruit more home-grown talent.
Ahead of the vote, I met with Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, to discuss pathways into work in the West Midlands. Together, we can address the skills gaps we have in our region by ensuring partners work together.
With Skills England Chair Phil Smith
Grenfell Inquiry
My comments on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 1 report to Hits Radio last September
The Government has responded in full to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, setting out tough new reforms to fix building safety and strengthen accountability. We have accepted the report’s findings and will take action on all of the 58 recommendations in the report.
This means greater accountability, stronger regulation, and putting residents at the heart of decision-making to make sure no community will ever have to face a tragedy like Grenfell ever again.
I know the Government’s commitment to reforming building safety will be welcomed by my constituents who are waiting for vital upgrades to unsafe homes. Last year, we introduced a Remediation Acceleration Plan, which includes new measures to get buildings fixed quicker, ensures rogue freeholders are held to account, and puts the end in sight for affected residents. You can read the Government’s full response to the inquiry here.
Hospices
Families across England will start to see improved end-of-life care as the Government brings in major upgrades to hospice services nationwide.
I’m delighted that Birmingham Hospice will receive an additional £345,224, as part of the largest investment in hospices in a generation.
Birmingham Hospice does a wonderful job providing support for people with life-limiting conditions and their loved ones. This funding will go towards modernising facilities, improving IT systems and ensuring patients receive the highest quality care. You can read more here.
Digital Inclusion Action Plan
With Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Millions of people in Britain are set to gain greater digital skills to help boost economic growth and success.
With daily tasks like speaking to a GP, applying for jobs, or renting and buying a house becoming increasingly digitalised, improved digital skills and access to technology are essential for people to access vital services and boost their employability.
Our Digital Inclusion Action Plan includes funding for local initiatives targeted to the most digitally-excluded groups, including the elderly and low-income households. We will also partner with inclusion charity Digital Poverty Alliance to provide laptops to people who are digitally excluded. Read more about our plans here.
Pension Credit
On the campaign trail
Figures published this week reveal nearly fifty thousand extra pensioners are now receiving vital Pension Credit support following a surge in claims processed.
Stats show the DWP is processing record number of claims a week, bringing down outstanding applications and giving the poorest pensioners vital support.
To apply for Pension Credit or check if you’re eligible, you can apply online, call on 0800 99 1234, or print out and fill in the Pension Credit claim form (or call the claim line to request a form) and post to: Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3.
3D Guns
With West Midlands Police officers
This week, I was glad to see that the West Midlands Police Federation welcomed my work on criminalising the blueprints for 3D-printed guns.
3D guns are increasingly presenting themselves as a threat to our safety and security and as organised crime changes, legislation must keep up.
After presenting a bill to make it illegal to possess and share the templates for 3D guns, I’m glad that the government has taken this forward and that these measures are now making their way through Parliament. Read more here.
You can watch the Channel 4 Documentary I featured in on 3D-printed guns here.
Energy Bills
Explaining Labour's vision for Great British Energy on Politics Live
We are protecting families in the West Midlands who are struggling to pay their energy bills. It’s great news that 270,000 more families in our region will be able to receive the Warm Homes discount to help them to deal with an unpredictable energy market next winter. Read more here.
The Government has also provided a webpage with information about rising bills and useful resources for those who seek support with their energy bills, here.
Community Britain
This week, the Co-operative Party launched Community Britain, a campaign recognising the people and places that bring pride to communities, and the serious solutions they offer to our politics and our country.
The Party has also reached out to community leaders, experts and representatives around the country and produced an essay collection, Stories from Community Britain, that showcases the communities across the country who are pioneering solutions to important issues like climate change, economic stagnation and social cohesion. You can read more and find the essay collection here.
Co-op Live: International Development
It was great to speak on a Co-op Live panel about International Development on Thursday evening.
As former Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Britain's’ proud legacy on development is one that I cherish dearly. Our country has a proud history of tackling poverty, improving food security and limiting the worst effects of climate change in all corners of the globe.
Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Awards
At the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony
Last night, it was great to attend the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Awards 2025, opened by fantastic CEO Henrietta Bailey and Mayor Richard Parker.
Over 1,000 people attended to celebrate the contribution of diverse businesses in our city and region. It was also a pleasure to see some of the region’s brilliant up and coming arts and culture talent showcased at the ceremony.
Local News
Breakfast Clubs
With Bridget Philipson, Secretary of State for Education
I’m delighted that three schools in my constituency - Nonsuch Primary School, St Patrick and St Edmund’s Primary School and World’s End Infant and Nursery School – are early adopters to the Government’s free breakfast club scheme.
This government is removing the barriers to opportunity by making sure every child starts the school day ready to learn.
With students from St Patrick and St Edmund's, who won an award for their breakfast club
Westbourne Centre
On a visit to the Westbourne Centre
It was great to visit the Westbourne Centre, a healthcare facility, in my constituency.
I toured facility and met with consultants, nurses, and staff to learn more about how they are delivering patient care in the community and support the NHS.
Brsk
I was glad to have the opportunity to represent constituents in a meeting with Brsk, raising concerns about new infrastructure being deployed only via poles and in areas where they are not needed.
Resident’s voices must be heard. I will continue to work with residents, the council, the government and broadband providers to find solutions collectively.
I spoke in a debate about the rollout of broadband infrastructure, you can watch it here.
Job Club at Brandwood Centre
The Brandwood Centre have announced their next job club will take place at the centre on Monday, 3rd March, from 9:30am to 11:30am.
Their volunteer mentors will be available to support participants with job search tips and advice, guidance on writing covering letters, and crafting the perfect application. If you’re interested, send your name, contact number, and email address to alison@brandwoodcentre.co.uk.
Missed Bins
Constituents have contacted me to say that their bin collections have been missed. You can report missed collections here.
MHWC
Next Friday, 7th March, the MHWC will be visiting Meadow Road in Harborne, B17 8BN. The centre will be open between 7:30pm and 1pm, so please do come along if you have any bulky household waste to dispose of.
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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