VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Waste Disposal: Birmingham

Asked by Ayoub KhanIndependentMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 25 February 2026UIN 114460

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Prime Minister’s oral contribution during Prime Minister's Questions, Column 780, 11 February 2026, what steps the Government is taking to bring a negotiated settlement to the Birmingham bin strikes; and what representations he has made to Birmingham City Council on re-entering negotiations with Unite the Union.

Answered by Alison McGovern

The success of Birmingham is vital for the wider region, and the government therefore takes the progress made across Birmingham City Council very seriously. My department regularly engages with both the Council and Commissioners, alongside receiving regular updates on progress, including on the waste dispute.

While the government is not a party to this dispute, we continue to urge both parties to work together to bring about a sustainable solution to end the strike, in the interests of the people of Birmingham.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim