My January Newsletter: City centre consultation, rising energy costs and building safety

Keeping in touch - January 2022

Paul Blomfield MP

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Happy New Year; it's only three weeks since Parliament returned after the break but feels much longer - with the daily developments in the scandals surrounding Boris Johnson's Government, changes in Covid rules despite high infection rates, and the escalating cost of living crisis. Many thanks to everyone who's helped me raise £7,500 for Afghan children - my Christmas appeal closes on Friday, but there's still a chance to donate here.

City centre consultation

I've met with planners and Council leaders on the proposals for the redevelopment of our city centre which are currently out for public consultation. Do read more and submit your views here.

Building safety

I challenged Michael Gove on his plans for solving the cladding and building safety crisis. See our exchange on his initial statement here and my further questioning here.

Afghan refugees

I met with the Minister for Afghan Resettlement on how constituents have been let down after Boris Johnson's promises last summer and pressed the issue in the Commons with Home Office Ministers. More here.

Private renters

I called on Michael Gove to deliver on the Government's promise for action to support tenants in the private rented sector, raising concerns over rising rents and falling standards. Read more about our exchange here.

Militarising refugee crossings

I challenged Ministers on plans for the military to take over policing the channel, as one of the headline-grabbing proposals to save Boris Johnson's job, instead of working with our European neighbours to offer safe and legal routes. See more here.

Support with energy costs

I pressed Ministers to support those on the lowest incomes who will be hit the hardest by the massive increases in energy bills. Watch my contribution here.

Firework noise

In response to concerns raised by constituents, I've questioned Ministers on reviewing the noise level of fireworks. More here.

Israel and Palestine

I met with Esawi Frej, who represents Meretz in the Israeli coalition government, at an event organised by Yachad which works for a political settlement between Israel and Palestine.

My Christmas appeal

Huge thanks to everyone who has contributed to my appeal for Afghanistan, in partnership with Save the Children. There's still three days to find out more and donate here.

Universities

I met with Universities West Midlands in my role as an officer for three all-party groups on higher education - and with Sheffield University to discuss the Turing Scheme, the Government's replacement for participation in Erasmus.

Proportional representation

I caught up with the Make Votes Matter Alliance on the campaign for proportional representation. Read more about their work here.

Somaliland recognition

I called for the UK Government to recognise Somaliland as an independent country in a Parliamentary debate, which you can watch here and read more about here.

Social care crisis

I met with the CEO of Care England to discuss the crisis in social care. You can read more on my views and work on the issue here.

Gambling with Lives

I caught up with Gambling with Lives, a local charity supporting families bereaved by gambling related suicides ahead of the Government's review of gambling regulation.

Community notices

Nationality and Borders Bill demonstration: Join the demonstration agains the Bill on the 29th January from 12.30 at Moorfoot.

HMS Sheffield Association: HMS Sheffield Association and friends are raising £15,000 for a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum. You can donate here.

ShipShape Community Hub: is hiring a Community Food Worker. Email info@shipshape.org.uk to find out more.

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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