Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central
Keeping in touch – January 2018

Welcome to my first monthly update of 2018! Parliament’s been back for a couple of weeks and Brexit has continued to dominate things. But I’ve also been taking up issues from the collapse of Carillion, to the electrification of the Midland Mainline. Read more below and, as ever, do let me have your views.

Brexit

Last week I led for our frontbench on why the Charter of Fundamental Rights should be transposed into UK law along with other EU law – contrasting Government claims that nothing will be lost with the new Brexit Minister’s confirmation that it gives an “extra layer of rights”! Read more.

Carillion collapse

I spoke to the Minister about the collapse of Carillion the day it was announced, seeking assurances on the position of their 250 staff in Sheffield – as well as the tram-train and flood protection work for which the company was contracted. Read more.

International students

I spoke at the launch of a new report showing that international students contribute more than £20 billion to the UK economy – and that Sheffield Central benefits more than any other constituency in the country. Read more.

Protecting the NHS

I joined with local Labour members on Saturday and Sunday, as part of a nationwide campaign to press the Government on the crisis in the NHS and social care – and outlining our plans to tackle it.

Legal aid

During Justice Question in the House of Commons, I called on the Government to improve access to legal aid after cuts have decimated access – an issue raised during my annual community consultation the Big Conversation. Read more.

Immigration detention

I launched a new Amnesty International report into the use of immigration detention in the UK, an issue on which I’ve led in Parliament for the last couple of years.

Rail electrification

After securing the release of new Government data showing the huge environmental benefits of electrification of the Midland Mainline, I pressed Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to reverse his decision to scrap the plans. Read more.

Creative industries

I’m speaking at an event today on the impact of Brexit on the creative industries and performing arts, particularly on how UK citizens will be able to continue to work across Europe – and vice-versa.

Childhood obesity

In a debate on childhood obesity, I raised the inadequate funding of specialist services for severely obese children. Read my intervention and sign the petition launched by Manor-based Shine Academy.

NHS Urgent Care consultation

I met with the NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group on their planned re-organisation of urgent care – which includes replacing the Broad Lane Walk-In Centre and Hallamshire Minor Injuries Clinic with a new centre at the Northern General. Add your views to the consultation here by the end of January.

Remembering the Holocaust

I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January – remembering the victims, paying tribute to the survivors and committing to building a world free of hatred.

Parliamentary Questions

Other topics that I’ve questioned Ministers on this month include how proposed changes to free school meal entitlement would affect pupils in Sheffield (see here); travel times to and from hospital for older people (see here); and the decline in the amount of interest free credit provided through the Discretionary Social Fund in recent years (see here).

 

Christmas Appeal

Thanks to everyone who’s donated to my Christmas Appeal for homeless charities. We’re just £200 short of my £3,000 target. Help me get over the line by donating here.

International Women’s Day (IWD)

I’m holding my annual IWD charity film screening on Wednesday 7th March in Sheffield Students’ Union (reception 6.15pm; film 7pm). We’re watching Hidden Figures and raising money for the Together Women Project and WICAT. Tickets will be available on my website/Facebook or ring my office on 0114 272 2882.

Visit Parliament!

I’m holding one of my regular trips to Parliament on Monday 23rd April – offering a fascinating tour of one of the world’s most famous buildings, a chance to see the Commons in action and take part in a Q&A. If you’re interested click here.

Special Educational Needs

I met with a group of SEN parents to discuss their problems with EHC plans and funding for schools. If you have experiences to share, do get in touch.

Getting rid of plastic straws

I’m backing the #StrawFreeSheffield campaign and asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to reduce the use of plastic straws.

Moor development

I toured the Moor with representatives of the developer, Aberdeen Asset Management, to catch up on progress with the development.

Ahed Tamimi

I’ve pressed Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt on what representations he has made to the Israeli Government to release imprisoned Palestinian teenager Ahed Tamimi, who I met during my recent visit to the West Bank.

Community notices

Clean up Sharrow – Litter picking in Sharrow in association with Help Sheffield. All welcome. First Saturday of every month, 10am. Meet outside Little Shop of Chocs, 144 Abbeydale Road.

Sheffield City Region Transport Strategy – Give your views on the future of local transport – more details and how to get involved here.

Sleep Out 2018 – Get sponsored to sleep on the floor of the Abbeydale Picture House and raise money for St Wilfrid’s Centre. Friday 16th March 2018 7pm – 8am. Find out more here.

We Are The Lions, Mr Manager! – Stage play about Jayaben Desai, the inspirational leader of the 1976-78 Grunwick Film Processing Factory Strike. 27 Feb – 3 March from 7:30pm at The Lantern Theatre. Read more.

Developing Future LGBT+ Leaders – Conference on supporting LGBT+ young people to become effective leaders. For teachers, youth workers, health & care workers, parents/carers, students, and anyone with an interest. Monday 26th Feb, 9.30am – 5.00pm at a City Centre venue – Read more. The Sheena Amos Youth Trust are also holding a parallel leadership event for LGBT+ young people on 10 February – for details contact info@sayit.org.uk

Everyday Sexism Campaign by Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union –The campaign focuses on the everyday struggle of individuals caused by everyday sexism. Interested in getting involved? They are looking for workshops, activities and presentations with an interesting message or idea. Campaign runs February 12th to 14th, 2018. More details: uuswomens@my.shu.ac.uk

Keeping in touch

My office is open every weekday and if you have any questions or need any help please ring 0114 272 2882 or email me.

Best wishes,

Paul

 

 

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