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

Welcome to my update for the last month, in which Brexit’s again been a major focus. However, I’ve been active on other issues too, including student mental health, Carillion, free school meals, homelessness, and basketball. All this and more below. As ever, let me know your views.

Brexit

The EU Withdrawal Bill is now in the Lords, but there’s no pause on Brexit. As a Shadow Minister I led for our front bench on an Urgent Question (watch here), wound up the debate in which we forced Ministers to publish economic analyses of Brexit options (read here), and pushed David Davis over divisions in his Ministerial team (see here).

Homeless Appeal – Thank You!

A huge thank you to everyone who donated to my Christmas Appeal for local homeless charities. Together we raised £3,000 for the Cathedral Archer Project and Roundabout! Read more.

Student mental health

As Chair of the All Party Group on Students I chaired a roundtable discussion about mental health in further and higher education and will be following up on concerns raised.

Carillion pensions

With a large Carillion office in the city, I pushed Ministers to ensure that staff pensions are not reduced as a result of the company’s collapse. Read more.

Universities roundtable

I participated in a Guardian roundtable with university leaders about the challenges facing the sector, following a major report commissioned by the newspaper. Read more.

Free school meals

I’ve backed a motion opposing the Government’s proposed changes to eligibility for Free School Meals following the full implementation of Universal Credit, which threaten more than 7,000 Sheffield children.

Ahed Tamimi

In a debate in Parliament, I pressed the Government to seek the release of Palestinian teenager Ahed Tamimi who has been detained by the Israeli authorities. Watch my speech here.

ME and the PACE Trial

I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate about the PACE trial and its effect on people with ME and pressed the Minister to back calls to remove cognitive behaviour therapy and graded exercise therapy from NICE guidelines for ME treatment. Read more.

Move Government north

Although Parliament might not move north whilst the Palace of Westminster is being renovated, Government departments could move permanently. Read my article for the I Newspaper here.

Parliamentary Questions

Following concerns raised during my Big Conversation, I asked the Government questions on issues including: tackling bullying of LGBTQ children in schools (see here); support for workers with learning disabilities (see here); and challenging abuse and misogyny on social media (see here).

 

IWD 2018

My annual International Women’s Day charity film screening is on Wednesday 7th March in Sheffield University Students’ Union (reception 6.15pm; film 7pm). We’re watching Hidden Figures and raising money for the Together Women Project and Women in Construction and Technology. Find out more and book your tickets here.

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.

University pensions

I have pressed Universities Minister Sam Gyimah to seek further talks on proposed changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme, which have led to strike action at many universities. I previously worked with the local UCU on issues in relation to the valuation of the scheme.

Salvation Army

I was pleased to visit the Salvation Army Lifehouse in Sheffield with Louise Haigh MP – we’ll be pushing the Government to protect funding for supported housing. Read more.

Yemeni awards

I joined the annual awards evening celebrating the achievements of the local Yemeni community – particularly in education.

Jewish community

I joined the Orthodox community for their annual charity Hospital Service and, on the same Sunday, went to a Reform community event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

Backing the Hatters on funding

I have backed women’s basketball team Sheffield Hatters’ call for more funding for the sport, after they warned that basketball is “reaching a crisis point.” Read more.

Community notices

Adult community mental health services – Find out more about changes and talk to service managers and leaders at drop-in sessions throughout March. Details here.

Sheffield City Council info on cold winter weather – For all information on roads and pavements click here. For a full guide to winter, see here. Sign up for winter alerts, including Keeping Healthy and Well here. Although schools have their own ways of informing parents, you can check closures 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.

NatWest Skills and Opportunities Fund – For not-for-profit organisations with a project helping people to help themselves with financial capability and enterprise. Applications open until 23rd February 2018. More information here.

JOIN the Lantern Parade!  – Watch the historic battle. Sheffield’s ROBIN HOOD V The Frackers! Find events in Sheffield here.

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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