A new session of Parliament starts today with the Queen’s Speech, but the week will be overshadowed by Brexit as we head towards the crucial European Council meeting on Thursday and Friday. I set out my views in this blogpost last week and will be using every opportunity to secure a further referendum to give the people the final say on whatever emerges from the negotiations. 

Today I hope to be using the opportunity of the debate on the Queen’s Speech, which will continue throughout the week, to raise the concerns that I received from constituents during my recent Big Conversation. I also hope that I’ll have an opportunity to raise my concern over Home Office Minister Brandon Lewis’s comments about the potential deportation of EU citizens (over which I’ve written to him) and Donald Trump’s betrayal of the Kurdish people.  

During the week ahead I’ll be meeting with Remain In France Together to discuss the situation of UK Citizens abroad; speaking at a Labour for a Public Vote event, catching up with other Sheffield MPs on local issue, attending a ‘Make Menopause Matter’ drop in, and talking to WASPI about their campaign on the women’s state pension.  

Parliament will also be meeting on Saturday, for the first time in forty years, following the EU Council meeting and I may need to be in Westminster on Thursday evening for votes. In that case I won’t be coming home to Sheffield on Friday, but if I am, I’ll be visiting a local pharmacy to discuss pharmacists’ role in healthcare and budget issues; attending an event about on accommodation; and presenting an award at Age UK’s Family Friendly Awards.  

On Saturday, I’ll be in the Chamber to discuss the outcome of the European Council and the next steps to avoid a ‘no deal’ Brexit and secure a further referendum, and I’m also hoping to join the People’s Vote march for a final say.