March 2019: Brexit, Headteachers, Cladding and More

Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central
Keeping in touch - March 2019

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As a Shadow Brexit Minister, the issue has dominated my month. The situation’s still changing as I write, with key votes over the next couple of days, and I’ll post updates on my website. But, as you’ll see, I’ve been taking up lots of other issues too. As ever, I’d welcome your feedback.

Brexit

Among many things this month I challenged the Brexit Secretary on ‘no deal’; closed the debate on extending Article 50; spoke on the Government’s failure to reach out to break the impasse; and joined the march to ‘Put it to the People’. I’ve produced weekly Brexit updates – see the latest here.

Immigration Bill Committee

As a member of the Immigration Bill Committee, I pressed for improvements on Citizens’ Rights and to limit Immigration Detention. Read more here.

School Funding

I hosted a visit of 14 Sheffield headteachers to highlight the schools’ funding crisis. We met with the Schools Minister, Shadow Schools Minister, Sheffield MPs and delivered a letter to Downing Street. More on my website.

Meeting UN on Gaza

I met Jamie McGoldrick, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, to discuss the deteriorating situation in Gaza; an issue I’ve taken up many times.

Supporting Sheffield Knife Manufacturers

After bringing knife manufacturers to meet Ministers, I secured changes to the Offensive Weapons Bill which will protect local businesses. Read more here.

High Rise Fire Safety

After being contacted by residents, I visited Metis Tower and pressed the Government to ensure combustible cladding is removed from high rise housing blocks at no cost to those living in them.

Zimbabwean Asylum Seekers

I’ve been challenging the Home Office on involving Zimbabwean Government officials in asylum seekers’ interviews – as reported in the Guardian.

Young Carers

I met with Sheffield Young Carers to discuss next steps after my Westminster Hall debate and attended a Carers Trust event on young carers in schools.

Anti-Fracking Protest

I backed a protest outside Parliament opposing fracking. We should be developing renewables, not investing in carbon-emitting technology.

My Mail Bag this month

The top three issues on which I've received emails over the last few weeks are: Relationships and Sex Education, earthquake rules for fracking and NHS waiting times.

International Women's Day

Thanks to everyone who joined me to celebrate IWD, watching Desert Flower and raising over £1000 for Ashiana and Women for Refugee Women. There’s still one week left to donate here.

Apprenticeships Showcase

I joined a hospitality apprenticeship showcase, where two constituents were showcasing their work.

Yemen Appeal

Thanks to everyone who supported my ‘Children of Yemen’ Appeal; I joined Cllr Abtisam Mohamed to present the £6460 we raised to Save the Children; and joined an event in Parliament on their current campaign on Yemen.

Food Sustainability

I met with members of the Sheffield Climate Alliance to discuss food sustainability; an issue raised during my Big Conversation.

NZ Terror Attack

On hearing of the horrific terrorist attack in Christchurch, I joined prayers at the Madina Masjid in solidarity the local Muslim community. I also visited the Jamia Masjid earlier in the month, shown in the pictured below.

Universal Credit and Disability

I pressed Ministers on access for claimants with learning disabilities, after meeting with Citizens Advice to discuss problems with UC.

Students Visits

I met Sheffield University Journalism students and Hallam Geography students in Parliament, answering questions and discussing current politics.

Backing Sheffield Research

I met Sheffield postgraduates from both our universities showcasing their research in Parliament, including Fliss Noakes (pictured) who won silver in the Chemistry section.

Community notices

‘Thank you for the Rain’ - a film about a Kenyan farmer’s experience of climate change. 7.30pm Thursday 28 March. University of Sheffield Students' Union. Booking and more information here.

Two Peaks bike ride – raising funds for Sheffield-Esteli fprojects in Nicaragua (10/20/50 mile options). Sunday 12th May, More information here.

Mums United – self-defence workshop for mothers, fathers and over 14’s. 3pm Saturday 20 April. Old Sharrow Junior School. Information here

Women in Construction, Arts & Technology have some weekend classes on plastering, painting and decorating and more. Details here.

Sheffield Photographic Society annual exhibition at Sheffield Cathedral. Opens 12 noon Friday 22 March 1200, until 31 March.

May Day celebrations – Saturday 4 May. Organised by Sheffield Trades Council. Includes a march and rally, a panel discussion on ‘Economy for the Many not the Few’ and an evening ‘Celebrate May Day’ party. More information here.