Paul Blomfield Former MP for Sheffield Central
On arriving in Westminster today, I’ll be joining a protest against the actions of P&O in summarily dismissing their entire workforce to bring in cheap labour. I’ll also be catching up with the British Red Cross ahead of the Nationality and Borders Bill returning to the Commons, with a lot of amendments from the House of Lords, tomorrow. I’ve been part of Labour’s team challenging the Bill (see more here) so will be seeking to speak again at the final stages of this shocking legislation. Throughout the week I’ll be looking for opportunities to press Ministers on their scheme for Ukrainian refugees.
My main focus today though is the Adjourment Debate I’ve secured late this evening on the coroner’s inquest into the death of Jack Ritchie, who took his life as a result of gambling addiction. I am looking forward to being joined by Jack’s parents, Liz and Charles (whose experience led them to set up Gambling with Lives) as I press the Minister on the action needed as part of the review of the Gambling Act Review.
Tomorrow I’m chairing a meeting of the APPG for Students with representatives from a number of students’ unions meeting MPs and Peers to discuss two recently published reports on student housing. I am also catching up with the Russell Group to talk about issues impacting universities at the moment, and joining a reception for alumni of the University of Sheffield in Parliament.
The Chancellor’s Spring Statement is on Wednesday, and I’ll be watching closely in the context of the worsening cost of living crisis. I’ll also be joining Conservative Minister Guy Opperman MP to mark Brain Tumour Awareness week. You can see more about previous work we have done together on the issue here. Back in Sheffield later in the week, I’ll be catching up with the Editor of The Star, and I’ll be out knocking on doors to hear from constituents in Walkley at the weekend.