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The Big Conversation is underway!
Parliament is now in recess for the next couple of weeks and, with the exception of a few days at Labour’s Conference in Brighton, I’ll be in Sheffield, holding more Big Conversation events. So far I’ve had events in Broomhall, Sharrow, Lowfield, Manor Park and the city centre – with lots more to come all over the constituency. Do join in - it’s all about making your voice heard and telling me what you think. |
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Lots of people have written to me wanting the Government to do more to help refugees. Although the Prime Minister’s offer of taking up to 20,000 refugees is a good step, doing so over five years fails to address the immediacy of the crisis. I argued for the Government to play a real part in seeking a European solution in an article you can read here and repeated my call for the UK to take its share of refugees on Newsnight. In Parliament, I signed an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to do more and challenged Theresa May to ensure that there are safe and legal routes where people can apply for asylum.
Sheffield has a proud tradition of supporting those fleeing persecution and war, and there are a number of great organisations that provide support for refugees and asylum seekers. I’ve posted details of some of the ways that you can help on my website and Voluntary Action Sheffield have more information here.
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Last week I voted against cuts to tax credits. Government changes to tax credits, benefits and the minimum wage will make the average household with children £1,127 a year worse off, according to the House of Commons Library. The changes will affect 27,100 families in Sheffield. I’ve challenged the Government Minister overseeing these changes to meet with a Sheffield working mum who stands to lose £1,878 every year. You can find out more here.
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Keeping up the pressure for the electrification of the Midland Mainline
I supported my Sheffield colleague Harry Harpham MP in a debate on the electrification of Midland Mainline, which I believe is a vital piece of infrastructure for both the Midlands and the North. It’s an issue I’ve worked on over the last five years and you can read my comments here or watch the full debate here.
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On Friday 11th September, I was in Westminster to support the Assisted Dying Bill which, subject to strict safeguards, would allow terminally ill and mentally competent adults to request life-ending medication from a doctor. I know this is a controversial issue for lots of people, but I believe that individuals should have this right. You can read articles I wrote for the Daily Mirror here and The Independent here.
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I was in the Commons last week to vote against the Trade Union Bill which, if it becomes law, will be make it even easier to squeeze wages and conditions at work. You can find out more about my concerns here.
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I led a debate in the Commons calling for an end to indefinite immigration detention, arising from a cross-party inquiry of which I was Vice-Chair (you can read our report here). You can read a transcript from the debate here or watch it here. I was pleased with the support from MPs across the House and delighted that the Commons accepted our recommendations - now I’ll be continuing to press the Government to act on them.
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I hosted the launch of the Children's Commissioner for England's report on impact of family migration rules on children, which called for a reduction of the income threshold that divides families, causing stress and anxiety for children. As many as 15,000 British children are growing up in what are being described as 'Skype' families. Find out more here.
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Community notices
- Volunteering: Would you like to help run a community café? Local charity Zest is looking for volunteers to offer hot and cold drinks and snacks Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm. To find out more contact Tessa on tessa.harrison@zestcommunity.co.uk or telephone 0114 270 2040 extension 106.
- Jobs: Sheffield Jobs Fair. Suitable for companies and jobseekers, the Sheffield Jobs Fair is anticipating 14+ employers there on the day. At: Sheffield Town Hall. 2nd October 2015, 10am – 2pm
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