Welcome to my April newsletter, covering my activities over the last month.

Keeping in touch - April 2022

Paul Blomfield MP for Sheffield Central

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The day after my last newsletter I finally succumbed to Covid and spent a week isolating before Parliament rose for a two-week Easter break, so this month's update is a little lighter than usual. As ever though I welcome any feedback on what's included, or on other issues, so do keep in touch.

Save the Leadmill

I've been working with the Leadmill to oppose a hostile takeover of the iconic venue and co-ordinated a letter from Sheffield's Labour MPs to Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries (read our letter here). We've also launched a parliamentary petition which you can sign here.

Standing with Somaliland

I joined a community Iftar (pictured above) to raise funds following the recent devastating fire in Hargeisa (donate here), and attended the AGM of the Somaliland All-Party Parliamentary Group where we heard from Ambassador Abdi Hersi - and I was elected as Vice-Chair.

Rwanda deportation plan

I challenged Home Secretary Priti Patel on her plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, highlighting her intention to deport women and children contrary to Home Office briefings. See here.

Brain Tumour Awareness

I joined fellow brain tumour survivor and Conservative Minister Guy Opperman to promote 'Wear A Hat Day' to promote awareness of brain tumours and make the case for more investment in research. See more here.

Ukrainian refugees

I've been taking up visa delays for Ukrainian refugees sponsored by local people and am continuing to press for support for those wanting to assist through the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme.

Hunters Bar School Q&A

I had a lively discussion with Y6 pupils at Hunters Bar School as part of their work with Parliament's education service. Do get in touch if you're involved with a school that might be interested.

UK Trade and Business Commission

I joined a session of the UK Trade and Business Commission for an inquiry on the impact of new import checks on business.

Bus services

I spoke in a debate on local bus services, challenging Ministers on their failure to grant the money South Yorkshire needs to begin to improve services.

Cladding and Building Safety

I joined a rally in Westminster and once more urged the Government to take further action for Sheffield Central residents caught up in the building safety scandal. You can read more here.

Nationality & Borders Bill

When the Bill returned to the Commons, I pressed Ministers to accept Home Office evidence that it would not stop people smuggling and could make the situation worse (see here) and for safe and legal routes for refugees (see here).

Rail services

Together with fellow MP's Clive Betts and Dan Jarvis, I met Rail Minister Wendy Morton to press for improvements to services to Leeds and Manchester - including the restoration of the direct link to Manchester airport.

Nether Edge road changes

After meeting affected residents, I pressed their concerns for a brief pause in the roll out of 'Active Travel' road closures/restrictions to allow for proper consultation over details of the scheme.

Voting on 5th May

Do use your vote in next Thursday's elections for your local councillor and South Yorkshire Mayor - more information here.

Community notices

Big Plastic Count: Join the UKs biggest ever investigation into plastic waste. Sign up for the Big Plastic Count here.

Support for victims of domestic abuse: 08088082241 is the Sheffield helpline (open Mondays to Fridays 8am-7pm & Saturdays 9am-5pm) and 08082000247 offers support nationally 24/7.

Nether Edge and Sharrow Foodbank: Supporting vulnerable people in the area, this recently established project is fundraising to continue their work providing food packs. Please donate here.

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