June 2018

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

Welcome to my June newsletter, providing highlights from my work over the last month, including on schools funding, young carers, mental health, steel tariffs and more. As ever, I’d welcome your feedback.

EU Withdrawal Bill

Our Shadow Brexit team pushed key amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill to stop a harsh and destructive Brexit, particularly on Parliament having a meaningful say on the final deal, but the Government defeated us – read more. I pressed David Davis on his absence from EU negotiations during Brexit Questions (watch here) and spoke in a debate on a meaningful final vote (read my speech here).

Schools funding

Following my challenge to the Education Secretary last month, I pressed the Prime Minister to take action on the funding crisis affecting our schools. Read more.

Taking young carers to meet PM

I was pleased to bring an inspirational group of young carers from Sheffield to meet Theresa May to share their experiences and ideas about how the Government can help young carers. Read more.

Young people’s mental health

After the Government announced more money for the NHS, after eight damaging years of underfunding, I urged the Health Secretary to invest in young people’s mental health services. Watch here.

High cost credit

Having called for it in April, I welcomed the Financial Conduct Authority decision to introduce a cap on rent-to-own products, but want it extended to doorstep loans and unarranged overdrafts. Read more.

Home Office secrecy

I challenged Home Office secrecy through a Point of Order after I was refused information on rejected scientists and engineers’ visa applications due to the Government’s arbitrary and damaging cap on tier 2 visas. Read more.

International study

I pressed new Home Secretary Sajid Javid to remove international students from net migration targets. Read more. I also hosted a UUK ‘Go International’ event, promoting study abroad, where I was joined by representatives of both Sheffield universities.

Trump’s steel tariffs

After President Trump imposed tariffs on steel imports from the EU, I pressed the International Trade Secretary to work with trade unions over the impact on jobs. Watch here.

Student mental health

As Chair of the All Party Group on Students, I organised a meeting with the Chief Executive of the Office for Students to discuss the crisis in student mental health.

Immigration detention

I spoke on the effects of detention on victims of torture (read here), hosted a roundtable on a Red Cross report on immigration detention, and was recognised as the first Detention Forum champion at an iftar organised by a constituent and former detainee.

Business improvement

I pressed the Business Secretary on Government plans to revive proposals for areas outside London to have the option of property owner Business Innovation Districts. Read more.

Childhood obesity

I pressed Health Ministers on the concerns of Manor-based SHINE Health Academy, reflected in the Health and Select Committee report on childhood obesity, following meetings I organised between SHINE and committee members. Read more.

Post-18 education review

As Chair of the All Party Students Group, I hosted an event to give MPs and student representatives from around the country the chance to put their views to Philip Augar, the Chair of the Review of Post-18 Education and Funding.

Big Conversation 2017- taking up your concerns

I’ve published my update on how I’ve been taking up issues raised during last year’s Big Conversation. Read it here. My next Big Conversation will be from 14^th September to 6^th October. Get in touch if you have an idea for an event.

Harry Harpham

I spoke at the opening of the Harry Harpham Community Centre, and the launch of the Harry Harpham Foundation, honouring the former MP for Brightside and Hillsborough. For details about the foundation and how to donate, click here.

Great Get Together

I was pleased to call in at events organised in Broomhill by St. Mark’s Church and Friends of the Library as part of the Great Get Together in honour of my murdered former colleague Jo Cox.

Ben’s Centre

I joined clients at Ben’s Centre for lunch to discuss homelessness and the work of the centre in supporting street drinkers.

World Refugee Day

I highlighted the role of Sheffield in leading the City of Sanctuary movement in a debate on refugee family reunion and joined an event to mark World Refugee Day. Read more.

Community notices

Jobs, training and wellbeing event – For job seekers of all ages, including anyone recently made redundant and those looking to change career. Wed 27^th June, 10am – 1pm. Zest, 18 Upperthorpe, S6 3NA. More details here.

Training & Advocacy Workshop on Universal Credit – In work or out of work/retired – know how Universal Credit rules will affect people. Organised by Disabled People Against Cuts Sheffield. 14th July, 10am – 4pm. Burton Street Foundation, 57 Burton Street, Hillsborough, Sheffield, S6 2HH. More details here.

Work for a school in Sheffield Central? – Apply for the International School Award and get support and accreditation for international work. The next deadline is 15 July. Apply now here.

ADIRA Young Gifted and Black Awards – Celebrating the achievements of young black people and children. For more details and how to nominate someone click here.

11-16 MegaTravel Pass online applications – This free pass entitles school pupils to travel for a concessionary fare of 80p per journey on bus/tram, and half fare on Northern Rail services in South Yorks. Full details here.

Free football activities for children – Multi Courts, Saxonlea Avenue, Lower Manor every Friday at 5pm – 6.30pm. Open to all children ageing from 8 – 16 boys and girls. Contact: paul.hebda@swfc.co.uk

Sheffield Esteli Society are organising a fundraising Ceilidh with the Welldressed Band, on Sun. 1^st July at the Broomhall Centre , Broomspring Lane . Children of all ages welcome (& free). Real Ale Bar. Bring food to share. Tickets £8 on the door, £7 in advance and £6 for students and concessions. Also they’re holding a public meeting on recent repression by the Ortega Government with two young women activists from Nicaragua – at the Friends Meeting House, St James St. on Tues. 10^th July.

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

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