November 2023 Community Update

Situation in Gaza

I am deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in
Israel and Gaza and my heart goes out to all the
innocent victims of this conflict.

I have joined other Sheffield Labour MPs in writing
to the Prime Minister to raise our concerns about
the situation, an accessible version of our letter
can be found here.

I remain steadfast in my support for lasting peace
through a two-state solution: a safe and secure
Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian
state.

Labour Party Conference 2023

Last month, the Labour Party came together in
Liverpool for our Annual Conference. With next
year’s General Election on the horizon, the
message is clear that Labour is ready to govern
and get Britain’s future back.

During conference, I met with several
organisations and spoke on panels ranging from
pension policy to the importance of school
libraries.

Questioning Ministers on Voter ID

Back in Parliament, I held Ministers to account on
their Voter ID regulations which have snatched
the ability of voters to have their say.

Even Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg admitted that this
shabby scheme was designed to rig the rules and
lock voters out of democracy.

You can watch my question here.

Casework Corner

Over the last month, my team and I have opened 981
new cases, helping people with their
issues and concerns.

The most common issues raised with me were:

• International Affairs
• Housing
• Animal rights

Opening of new Sports Hub

I was delighted to be invited to the opening of
Sheffield’s first Cruyff Foundation football pitch in
Parson Cross.

This fantastic new facility will ensure that people
in Parson Cross and across Sheffield have access
to first class sporting facilities to stay active.

Visit to William Merritt Centre

I recently visited the William Merritt Centre, which
does invaluable work for people with disabilities
including car seat clinics for children with
disabilities and scooter assessments.

It was a pleasure to speak to David, their General
Manager, about the positive impact this has on
improving independence for people with
disabilites.

LABOUR’S SHADOW
PENSIONS MINISTER

Falling uptake of Pension Credit

Shocking new figures show that up to 880,000
pensioners are missing out on the Pension
Credit they are entitled to.

In the heart of a cost of living crisis, millions of
pensioners will be worrying about whether they
can afford to put the heating on whilst still putting
food on the table. But 4 in 10 of those eligible for
pension credit are not claiming it.

With winter fast approaching, I have called on the
Government to urgently get a grip on this issue
and ensure this vital lifeline reaches those eligible.

LABOUR POLICY:
FIXING BRITAIN’S BUSES

Deregulation and a decade of decline have meant
that thousands of bus routes have been lost in
England since 2010.

Labour’s bold plans would be the biggest reform
to the bus system in 40 years and would put
power back where it belongs, in the hands of the
communities who depend on buses the most.

Our plans would allow communities to Take Back
Control of bus services and would give them the
power to set routes, fares and services and plan
the network in the interests of local residents. And
Labour would also overturn the ideological ban on
municipal bus companies.