August Update and Big Conversation

Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central
Keeping in touch – August 2019

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Parliament is in recess every August and this year’s no exception. I back the proposal for Parliament to be recalled to challenge Boris Johnson on his reckless drive to a ‘no deal’ Brexit, but it seems unlikely he’ll agree to it. So I’ve been meeting constituents, visiting local groups and finalising my annual community consultation, the Big Conversation, as well as taking a couple of weeks’ break.

I started the Big Conversation to let constituents raise concerns directly with me and to help set my priorities. It’s been invaluable and I hope you’ll get involved in events, as well as filling in the short survey to give me an overall picture of constituents’ views.

The Big Conversation

13th Sep - 5th Oct

For a full map and list of events click here!

What is the Big Conversation?

I’m keen to hear your views all year round, but at the start of each Parliamentary year I organise around 40 open meetings, café and pub drop-ins, street surgeries and other events across the constituency.

Volunteers deliver information and surveys to more than 40,000 households, giving everyone the chance to have their say - and it’s available online too.

The Big Conversation helps shape my work in Parliament (you can read how it’s made a difference in previous years here and here).

Do come along to have your say.

During recess...

I’ve continued discussions with colleagues as a Shadow Brexit Minister. See my most recent blog post, written after Boris Johnson took over as Prime Minister, here.

On other national issues, I’ve written to the Foreign Secretary over the Indian Government’s revocation of Kashmir’s special status; called for the Office for Students to reconsider their decision to not include environmental data in universities’ mandatory reporting; called for an inquiry into privatised visa services; and slammed rail fare increases.

Locally, I backed the ‘Know the Line’ campaign against sexual harassment; visited the Madina Masjid; met with Gambling with Lives on future campaign plans; discussed housing provision for refugees with the local provider; visited Shelter’s Sheffield Hub to catch up on housing issues; joined school students on their National Citizenship Service programme, met the President of Sheffield Students’ Union on bus fares, and talked with Sheffield City Trust about leisure services in the city.

I’ve also met the Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield University; the Bishop of Sheffield; Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union Officers; the Council’s Electoral Services Manager; and lots of constituents on issues ranging from the climate emergency to problems with housing developments.

Also, on the final day of Parliament (after the last newsletter) I spoke in a debate on youth services, highlighting the workforce issues caused by local authority funding cuts.

Have your say

As well as hearing from you at meetings, I’ve prepared a short online survey to get constituents’ views.

Just click here to complete it and let me know your priorities.

Help spread the word

I need volunteers to help get Big Conversation information and surveys to over 40,000 homes. Could you deliver on your street? Get in touch if you can.

I'm in the hot seat with...

I’ll be launching the Big Conversation ‘in the hot seat’ with Toby Foster on BBC Radio Sheffield on Friday 6^thSeptember 9am – 10am. Do join in.

Submit your questions by calling 0800 111 49 49, texting 81333 (start your message with the word ‘Sheffield’) or emailing toby@bbc.co.uk.

Know somebody who might be interested

Please also forward this newsletter to anyone else who is interested in knowing more about what I do - they can sign up here.

Community notices

NHS Consultation – the Clinical Commissioning Group is consulting on changes to their fertility treatment policy – info and respond here.

£5k Grants for local community groups available from TransPennine Express Transform Fund – more here.

Nominate taxi drivers for the 2019 Parliamentary Taxi and Private Hire Awards – for drivers who go the extra mile. Email here.

Art Therapy Group for people living with brain injury – 10 weeks starting Friday 6^th Sept, Free to participants. 1300-1500 at the Art House, 8 Backfields S1 4HJ. Contact contact@syarts.org.

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.

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Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central Keeping in touch – August 2019