This week Al secured a breakthrough: £20 million of long-term funding for Druids Heath, delivered through Labour’s Pride in Place programme. This means £2 million every year for the next decade, with decisions about spending placed firmly in the hands of local people.

Whether it is creating opportunities for young people, tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, or improving our shared spaces, the priorities will be set by the community itself.

Pride in our country starts with pride in our local communities. Every neighbourhood should feel it. That is why I have consistently pressed for investment in Birmingham Selly Oak – so that our communities can share fully in the opportunities of the future.

This investment mark an important step in reversing decline and restoring pride across our constituency. It is the result of persistent work in Parliament – but the real test lies ahead, as we decide together how to make the most of this opportunity.