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Palestinian Ambassador visit 🇵🇸 |
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It was my honour to welcome Palestinian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Dr Husam Zomlot to Sheffield.
In 2019, when I was a member of Sheffield City Council, we took the step to recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, becoming one of the first cities in the UK to do so.
It was wonderful to welcome him back, this time as MP for Sheffield Central. He spoke powerfully about Sheffield’s role in recognition and about what we must do next to help secure peace and stability for Palestine.
Now the UK has taken the step to recognise, we must keep the momentum going for a just and lasting peace. |
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Sheffield Leasehold Reset |
72% of property transactions in Sheffield Central in 2025 were on a leasehold basis, 50% above the national average.
I’m campaigning for three things for Sheffield’s leaseholders:
* Fairer insurance: stop managing agents profiting from insurance companies they own * Simplify Right to Manage: lower the threshold to 35% so residents can take control * Stronger accountability: one compulsory regulator with real powers over managing agents
If you support these proposals, please consider signing and sharing my petition.
The more Sheffielders who sign, the stronger my voice will be in Parliament. |
Share my petition to socials |
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Vodafone franchises
I chaired a meeting in Parliament where 62 former Vodafone franchisees, including people from Sheffield Central, shared how devastating financial penalties and unfair contracts destroyed their businesses and lives. I’m working with them to press for fair, transparent regulation so small franchisees aren’t left unprotected. |
Visit to United Synagogue
Thank you to Rabbi Golomb for welcoming me to United Synagogue Sheffield, where he gave me a tour of the building. I was honoured to be treated to a viewing of the holy scrolls, which aren’t always seen by visitors, and a wonderful discussion about my work and priorities for the constituency and our religious spaces. |
Student loan review
After campaigning for a substantial review of the student loan system, I’m pleased to see the announcement that Plan 2 student loan interest rates will be capped at 6%.
However, now is the time to take it further. As MP for a constituency with two world-class universities, I will continue to campaign for a fairer system.
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Meeting with the Lebanese Ambassador
The Foreign Affairs Committee met with the Lebanese Ambassador to discuss the ongoing Israeli bombardment and its devastating impact on civilians and infrastructure.
Israel should not be able to act without consequence and continued inaction reinforces their ongoing impunity.
If the international community is serious about protecting human life and maintaining a rules-based order, then consistent standards must be applied.
Accountability cannot be selective. |
World Snooker Championship 2026
Great to see the snooker festivities at the weekend at the start of the Championship! Now, knowing that the snooker is staying in Sheffield, it feels like the start of a new era and I can't wait to see what's in store.
Welcome to all the players and visitors! |
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New to Sheffield
I attended the launch of the New to Sheffield website, co-owned by Learn for Life, which offers support for anyone new to Sheffield, including housing, health, transport and basic needs. Wonderful food and lovely music from One World Choir. |
Visit to Mercia School
Another great visit to Mercia School, this time to chat about my summer school! If you’re aged 16–20, have an interest in politics and live in my constituency, why not apply? It’s a great opportunity to gain transferable skills while getting an insight into the work of an MP and local government. |
Hydrogen investment in South Yorkshire
Wonderful news for South Yorkshire and Sheffield, as Ed Miliband announced a major investment which will create 400 new jobs in technology for South Yorkshire. Great to see South Yorkshire recognised for the technological powerhouse it is. |
Libraries Improvement Fund
Free access to information and literature is foundational for education, so it’s wonderful to hear that the government is recognising Sheffield Libraries as part of their £6.3 million Libraries Improvement Fund, with the library set to receive £87,000 to upgrade the building and improve technology. |
Immigration changes and charities in Sheffield
It was my pleasure to host a meeting between Alex Norris, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, and refugee and asylum seeker charities in Sheffield.
This was an opportunity for organisations to share feedback on how proposed policy changes may affect the service users they support. Lack of quality legal advice, lengthy decision processes, fairness and impact on vulnerable people and families were chief topics.
The potential negative impact of the current proposals cannot be ignored and I remain committed to working with Sheffield charities to push for better, more effective policy. |
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My questions and debates in Parliament |
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Supporting our students and university staff
Education should be available to us all, but with the continuing financial crisis impacting university participation and administration, it’s time we explored how we might better support our students and university staff.
Everyone attending university should have the same chance at a degree, not just those that can afford to get by. Staff deserve stability, without the looming threat of cuts. |
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Foreign Affairs Committee – Olly Robbins oral evidence
The Foreign Affairs Select Committee exists to hold the Foreign Office to account and our session the other day was no exception.
Thanks to Olly Robbins for answering our questions and I'm sorry to hear about the personal impact this has had on his family. He stated that he was not aware of the central claim that UK Security Vetting (UKSV) had denied Mandelson’s clearance. |
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Local projects, appeals and fundraisers |
Save SHU Collegiate Nursery
a group of parents and carers with children attending Sheffield Hallam University Nursery, are urgently calling on Sheffield Hallam University to reconsider its proposal to close the on-campus nursery, utilised by staff, students and members of the wider community.
Hearing from the parents who have had no time to look for other options, and even those that have face lengthy waiting lists, I am convinced it needs to stay and urge you to sign the petition asking Sheffield Hallam to reconsider the decision.
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Refugees at Home
Refugees at Home, a national charity connecting people with spare rooms to refugees and asylum seekers, are urgently looking for safe places in Sheffield for young men and women from Sudan, Eritrea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
I met with Julie and Ian, the charity’s local representatives, last year, and the compassion and dedication they bring to supporting vulnerable people is astounding. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone who can to contact Refugees at Home, learn more about their work and consider whether offering a spare room could change someone’s life.
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