|
|
Last week was Uriah Rennie's funeral. It was a beautiful service with many people there to pay our respects.
I first met my good friend Uriah over twenty years ago through my work in the voluntary sector. I asked him for some tickets for the young people I was working with, as many of them had never been to a football match, and he said he would see what he could do. We didn’t get football tickets, but he gave us tickets for swimming sessions. I’ll be honest, the kids were happy, as many had never been swimming either! From that point on, Uriah would come out to our community organisation and attend events to encourage more kids into sports or just try activities they had not tried before.
As a councillor, I visited the sports activities Uriah had organised for children in Firth Park. He called the mums “aunties”. They loved him and gave him “Arabic tea” and traditional food as they watched their children play happily in the activities his team had organised. He had a natural ability to engage with anyone: children, families and professionals. He loved to see people active and enjoying themselves.
I mentioned to Uri that I was going for the Parliamentary selection and told him about my fears of worrying about whether I could do it and whether it was right for someone like me. He didn’t hesitate in not only telling me I would be brilliant, but that he wanted to support me on the journey. He endorsed me, actively supported my campaign and spoke to lots of people about why he thought I would be good at the job. I’ll never forget this.
Uriah loved communities and wanted to see people do better and have better. I always heard him speak passionately, calling for action to address inequality. He wasn’t just a pioneering referee. He was an active heart in the community. |
Visit Parliament – 15 September 2025 |
Westminster and the Houses of Parliament are the centre of government in the UK. It's also where I work Mondays to Thursdays!
But it's your Parliament too and I am committed to creating opportunities for people to explore and learn more about this amazing place.
Details of the planned visit on Monday 15 September can be found below and if you are
It would be great to welcome you to where I work on your behalf and to give you the opportunity to learn more about the history and working arrangements of our Houses of Parliament. |
|
My work in Sheffield and Parliament |
|
Sickle Cell Society UK
Many individuals affected by sickle cell disease, particularly in African and Caribbean and Middle Eastern communities, still face stigma and unequal access to care.
At Sadacca Limited I joined the Sickle Cell Society UK and the South Yorkshire Sickle Cell Organisation to hear the powerful and very traumatic experiences that families have endured.
I heard about the “double burden” faced due to the lack of understanding for the disease, particularly due to the stigma sufferers face, as well as the toll it takes every day.
I recognise the impact of this and have advocated on their behalf in Parliament |
|
Minimum Income Requirement for a spouse visa
I joined Reunite Families UK who support families navigating the UK spouse visa process where they shared an exhibition of stories from a three-year study into the impact of the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) for spouse visa applications.
The consequences of the MIR, which stands at £29,000, are huge and it continues to tear families apart. The Migration Advisory Committee has now published its report, recommending against further increases to the £29,000 threshold. The report suggests that any future threshold should be set between £23,000 and £25,000. Ministers have yet to make a decision on this. |
|
Everyturn Mental Health drop in
Surges in demand for mental health services are being reported nationwide, so community-based mental health services are more important than ever.
I went to the Everyturn Mental Health drop in to hear about their work in crisis support, rehabilitation and community care, and how they’re partnering with the NHS for better mental health across the country. |
Consultation: Strengthening leaseholder protections
After a year of campaigning on behalf of leaseholders in Sheffield Central, I'm delighted to see this consultation. The proposed changes offer:
-Transparent service charges -Transparent major works consultations -No more bullying with legal fees
|
Football Unites, Racism Divides
Football Unites, Racism Divides came to Parliament to talk about the excellent work they’re doing to unite communities through sport.
Sheffield is home to this inspirational charity and it was a pleasure to discuss replicating the model in other communities. Thanks to footballer and coach Brian Deane and athlete Mohammed Mukhtar for sharing their experience and insight! |
Banning trophy hunting
The government committed to banning the import of hunting trophies in its manifesto, so events like this keep it at the forefront of issues we must address.
I’ll continue to push for a clearer timeline on the ban. |
Private Parking Code of Practice consultation
My own view is that the proposed changes do little to protect people from low-income backgrounds. The cap should be much lower than £100 and offering a 40% discount pressures motorists into paying, rather than exploring their options to appeal. Finally, the burden of debt recovery fees should not be placed on motorists, whatever the cost, and should be scrapped altogether.
We must seek to align closely with local authority run car parks, which are often cheaper, and I’ll be addressing the proposed changes with my colleagues.
I urge my constituents to engage with the consultation. |
|
The People's Commission on the Water Sector
Attending the launch of the report from the People’s Commission on the Water Sector, I stand behind its recommendations for change:
-Public ownership -A not-for-profit model -Polluters to be held responsible -A single regulator with criminal sanctions
82% of the British public back the renationalisation of our waterways. 9 in 10 cities around the world have already abandoned the shareholder model which leaves consumers out of pocket. |
Geeks on Peaks fundraiser
I started Geeks on Peaks off on their cycling challenge to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK, in honour of their friend Aiden who died from the disease.
Today, 170-miles later, they arrived back into Sheffield, to smiles and congratulations from their family and friends.
|
Insigneo and the University of Sheffield
Thanks to the University of Sheffield for having me along to hear conversations on the cutting-edge research that underpins our NHS, social care and jobs in high-value medical technology manufacturing.
At the heart of Sheffield Central, the University of Sheffield and Insigneo are at the forefront of technological innovations for the NHS which supports economic growth. |
Action on climate change
At the Act Now: Change Forever lobby for climate and nature, I spoke with my constituents and people from across the country about the urgent action we must take to meet the UK’s 2030 climate and nature targets.
— Better access to home insulation — More sustainable and greener transport — Nationalising our buses and trains
Extreme weather events are already causing deaths and the cost of inaction today cannot be understated. I will continue to advocate for this in Parliament, both as an MP and a member of the Climate Change APPG. |
|
|
Sheffield Energy Hub
Sheffield Energy Hub launched on Cambridge Street, to offer you information on generating community energy, bringing down your energy bills and making our city more energy efficient and sustainable.
A partnership of charities and community organisations, the Council and commercial partners, they’ll be on hand to offer you support.
Some inspiring contributions from the ‘Day One’ Art Exhibition too: a collaboration of the SCC Youth Voice and Influence Service and young people across the city, which demonstrates what climate change means to them. |
|
The Adoption Support Fund
I met Minister Daby to discuss the Adoption Support Fund.
Many of my constituents asked me to address the reduction in funding to essential therapy, as it simply doesn’t meet the support for children with an exceptional level of need.
Research from Adoption UK found that 82% of adopters see real benefit from the fund.
I have urged the Government to work with providers and families to ensure children receive the therapy they need so that all children receive the best start in life. |
Doctors serving in Gaza visit Parliament
I hosted 3 doctors recently returned from Gaza in Parliament this week.
They shared how the healthcare system has been systematically dismantled.
-Hospitals bombed -Medical supplies blockaded -People shot dead as they line up for aid
They urged for an end to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) crimes and an urgent need to reinstate real humanitarian assistance in Gaza. |
Walkabout with the police on Abbeydale Road
I went on a walkabout along Abbeydale Road with the police, where we talked about some of the anti-social behaviour in the area, as well as people consistently parking on double yellow lines. They assured me that they are taking steps to address these issues.
Working together as a community, we can make the constituency safer. |
Labour for Leaseholders
An explorative meeting on Reforming the Right to Manage at the Labour for Leaseholders roundtable. While the system is flawed, we discussed how we can improve it, what issues residents may face with Right to Manage and opening access for residents to establish Right to Manage companies. |
Remembering Srebrenica
On Srebrenica Memorial Day, we remembered the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, where thousands of men and boys were murdered over several days in an area deemed by the UN to be safe.
It was a solemn and humbling experience to write in the memorial book, to come together with my colleagues and say ‘never again.’ |
Getting the right support for children
I met a group of parents to discuss their challenging experience of SEND services and their constant battle in trying to get the right support for their children.
They spoke of a failed system, obstruction and a lack of accountability. One said it was the 'survival of the wealthiest' as the only way to challenge decisions was to obtain private advocates and pay for essential reports needed, leaving those with lower incomes with an even bigger challenge.
The majority of cases are then won in tribunals or dropped just before, leaving many families tired and frustrated.
I promised to take their concerns to the Secretary of State. |
|
Mina and Khaled for Yemen
With her father, Mina cycled from Manchester to Sheffield to raise money to support medical treatment for children and support an orphanage in Aden.
Both the Lord Mayor and I were really happy to welcome her into Sheffield.
This is a huge physical and mental challenge for a worthy cause for which your support will be appreciated.
|
Drive-thru on London Road
Many constituents emailed asking me to object to the proposed McDonald’s drive-thru on London Road.
After objecting and engaging in consistent dialogue with the council and the agency representing McDonald's about the detrimental impact to the local area, they have now withdrawn their application, after their planning application was recommended for refusal.
Thanks to Councillor Ibby Ullah and Nighat Basharat, Labour Councillors for Nether Edge & Sharrow ward, for their tireless work on this and protecting the wellbeing of people in the area. |
|
Archer Land Community Allotments
Huge thanks to the Archer Lane Community Allotments for inviting me to the launch of their amazing new Community Garden!
It was brilliant to see the Allotment Society creating a new space for the whole community to make use of.
This is a fantastic example of what community-led green spaces can do!
Well done to all the volunteers, the committee, and Cllrs Ibby Ullah and Nighat Basharat for backing it through Nether Edge & Sharrow Ward CIL funding. |
Evacuating students in Gaza
I'm in contact with dozens of students in Gaza who have secured places to study in the UK, but it's impossible for them to leave without Government support.
I've urged the Home Office to replicate the French example and evacuate these students now. I have meetings with colleagues to press on this issue this week. |
Opening Adventures at Highfield
More than just a space, youth hubs like Adventures at Highfield are a vital ingredient of a community. Children can find safety, build practical and social skills, and forge lifelong relationships.
Parents gain invaluable peace of mind, knowing their children are nurtured, safe and secure. And for everyone passing by, Adventures at Highfield stands as a testament to sustainability and a vibrant community spirit. It was an honour to be part of the opening! |
|
|
|
My questions and debates in Parliament |
|
Supporting early years services
I welcome the investment the government is making into children's futures: free school meals, free breakfast clubs, plus a £500 million investment in Best Start Family Hubs.
But it's vital that we invest in existing Family Hubs, the people who have worked tirelessly despite consistent cuts over the last decade, and we must utilise the expertise and networks of the voluntary and community sector. |
|
|
|
|
The UK as penholder for Yemen
Between 2015 and 2024, we provided over £1 billion in development assistance to Yemen. But, despite being one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, the former UK Ambassador to the UN said that the pen "was paralysed in the UK's hands". |
|
|
|
|
Foreign Affairs Committee: arms sales and international humanitarian law
In light of the constant war crimes and ethnic cleansing being proposed by Israeli Ministers, I asked the Foreign Secretary how we would comply with our obligations under international humanitarian law. |
|
|
|
|
Crisis in Sudan
Every member of the Sudanese community in my constituency has been affected by the world’s failure to act on the crisis.
The UK has a unique opportunity to act now for a real ceasefire and to hold complicit states to account.
When will we act? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
