Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Preet Kaur Gill Excerpts
Wednesday 11th February 2026

(3 days, 19 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Keir Starmer Portrait The Prime Minister
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I know that communities have been badly affected by recent storms, and the damage to the A379 is very concerning. I am pleased that the hon. Lady is meeting the Roads Minister and the Floods Minister today. We are investing £10 billion to improve coastal and flood defences. I thank the Environment Agency staff who are working hard right now to put extra protections in place and support people ahead of further wet weather.

Preet Kaur Gill Portrait Preet Kaur Gill (Birmingham Edgbaston) (Lab/Co-op)
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Q11. For too long, communities like mine in Bartley Green felt that decisions were made about them, not with them. Fourteen years of austerity did not just close neighbourhood offices and youth services; it broke trust. Through the Pride in Place initiative, the Government are helping residents to restore the Woodgate Valley café and so much more. What is the Prime Minister’s message to my constituents about how politics can be a force for good, and about how he will never walk away from my community and the country we love?

Keir Starmer Portrait The Prime Minister
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My message is that I have always believed that those with skin in the game make the best decisions about their communities. I know just how much her constituents want Woodgate Valley visitors centre back open. Together, we can make that happen. Hope in Britain is found in our communities. That is why we are investing so heavily in our Pride in Place initiative.