Paul Blomfield Former MP for Sheffield Central
This is the last week Parliament sits before the summer recess and so this is my final preview of my week ahead until we return after August, although my office will be open remotely throughout the break.
I had hoped to challenge the Health Secretary today on the reckless abandonment of sensible infection control measures as the country unlocks (as I did on the last two Mondays), but his illness and the surrounding chaos in government means it’s not clear whether there will be an opportunity. I will be attending the AGM of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees which is discussing some of the issues that I’ll highlight in my opposition to the Nationality and Borders Bill when it has its second reading tomorrow.
I’m also hoping to speak in the debate for the second reading of the Building Safety Bill, which provides the latest opportunity to secure remediation of cladding and fire safety issues at no cost to those who have bought flats in high-rise buildings. I’ve been working in partnership with leaseholders affected by the scandal in Sheffield Central (read more here).
I’ve been selected for two parliamentary questions this week. On Tuesday I’ll be questioning Ministers on the ongoing conflict in Yemen, and on Thursday I’ll challenge the Secretary for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on maintaining British farming standards in the trade deal with Australia.
I’ve also got a meeting of the UK Trade and Business Committee on Thursday, at which we’re hearing from witnesses on the issues caused by Boris Johnson’s flawed Brexit deal for science, research and innovation. Also this week, I’ll be participating in a cross-party meeting on electoral reform, catching up with Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis, and meeting with partners to talk about the next steps for our campaign against sexual harassment in the hospitality sector.
I wish you all a safe and restful summer, do get in touch if you need any help, and to keep up with my work you can sign up to my newsletter here.