Senior figures from West Midlands Police are set for a high-stakes grilling by MPs in London today, as scrutiny intensifies over controversial intelligence that led to a ban on away fans at a recent Aston Villa match.
Parliamentary Scrutiny Over Match Intelligence
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and Chief Constable Craig Guildford will appear before the Home Affairs Select Committee. They are expected to face rigorous questioning regarding an allegedly "dodgy dossier" of intelligence provided to Birmingham City Council's safety advisory group.
The intelligence, concerning risks posed by Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending the UEFA Conference League match at Villa Park in November, resulted in a ban on the Israeli team's supporters. The claims, based on evidence from Dutch police, have been publicly disputed by Amsterdam's mayor, Sebastiaan Meijer, who labelled them "not true."
In response to a Times investigation revealing the dispute, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has ordered officials to liaise with the Dutch government. Commissioner Foster has also published an open letter to the Chief Constable, demanding "assurances" over the "accuracy, credibility, reliability and provenance of the intelligence."
Chancellor's Budget Brings Local Wins
Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves's budget has unveiled several measures with direct implications for Birmingham and the West Midlands.
- A one-year freeze on regulated rail fares from March 2026, estimated to save the average Birmingham-to-London commuter £804 annually.
- The launch of a pilot scheme for 'Neighbourhood Health Centres', with Birmingham selected as the first location.
- £400 million in foreign direct investment for the city's proposed 'knowledge quarter'.
- Devolved powers and finances for the West Midlands Combined Authority, including access to housing funds, a share of a £13 billion pot for mayoral authorities, and portions of new funds for creative arts and local investment.
Smithfield Development and Other Local Updates
In Digbeth, the multi-billion pound Smithfield redevelopment scheme has taken a significant step forward. Archaeological excavations have now begun on the site, which was home to Birmingham's medieval manor house. This vital work precedes the start of main construction, scheduled for early 2026, which will transform the area into a major housing, arts, and culture hub.
In other news, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker stated he is "broadly supportive" of new tourist tax powers being granted to devolved regions by the UK government. The move could allow local authorities to levy a charge on hotel stays to fund local services and infrastructure.
West Midlands Police have also released further information regarding a 10-week investigation into a sexual assault on a Sikh woman in Oldbury. This follows mounting frustration from community leaders, who have raised concerns about police competence. Three suspects have been arrested, but no one has yet been charged.
Quick Hits from the Region
Perry Barr MP Ayoub Khan recounted at a party conference how he killed a dog with his bare hands to protect a baby while serving as a local councillor.
Birmingham has been confirmed as a host city for the 2035 Women's Football World Cup.
Investment bank Goldman Sachs is doubling its staff presence in the city.
Green Party peer Jenny Jones has called for the abandoned sections of HS2 to be turned into walking and cycling paths, a sentiment echoed in a poll showing half the population supports scrapping the project.
