Gill Furniss MP
Highlighting the devastating impact of knife crime
Knife crime continues to have a devastating impact on too many lives in Sheffield. In Home Office Oral Questions, I asked the Home Secretary about the importance for different stakeholders to work together to end this epidemic once and for all.
I was reassured to hear the Home Secretary agree with me on the need for a collaborative approach. She spoke about the knife crime coalition and knife-enabled robbery taskforce the Government has set up, which will support the mission to halve knife crime over the next 10 years.
I will continue to work hard on a local and national level to keep this vital issue at the heart of the political agenda.
Visit to E.ON Blackburn Meadows
I was pleased to visit E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows Biomass Power Plant in Sheffield recently for a tour of the station and to discuss their exciting plans for the future.
This important local employer is at the forefront of our green energy revolution – transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. For example, Blackburn Meadows has recently demonstrated its ability to supply the local steel industry with green hydrogen.
These exciting technological advancements are taking place right on our doorstep, and I reiterated my support for the sector.

Raising the impact of endometriosis on women in the workplace
As Chair of the Women’s Health APPG, I was pleased to lead a Parliamentary debate about the impact that endometriosis has on women in the workplace.
Stigma and a lack of awareness from employers means that reproductive health conditions can have a significant effect on women’s experiences at work. Research shows that 23% of women take time off work because of period health issues, while 80% lie about the reasons for absence if they are related to periods.
This debate was well attended by MPs from all parties, and I look forward to working together to strive towards a better future for women living with this terrible condition.

Visit to Chaucer School
It was wonderful to visit Chaucer School recently. I had a tour of their facilities and discussed the importance of supporting schools to deliver the best outcomes for children.
My thanks go to the Headteacher, Mrs Crewe, and all the other teachers and staff for taking time out of their busy days to speak to me.
Visit to Sheffield College
Earlier this month, I visited the Hillsborough Campus of Sheffield College. This was a fantastic opportunity to see developments at this site and discuss the importance of supporting the sector.
As someone who worked in further education before entering Parliament, I am always pleased to visit our exemplary FE institutions whose work to train and educate people of all ages is of such importance to the area.
I will continue to use my position to speak up for further education so that it gets the recognition it deserves.
My thanks goes to Angela and everybody at Sheffield College for their time showing me around.
Government reiterates commitment to Parkwood Springs
As Chair of the Parkwood Area Board, I was delighted by the Government’s announcement that it will be awarding the £19.4 million Parkwood Springs project funding under the Levelling Up Fund.
This ambitious development, comparable in size to Hyde Park, will transform the former site of Sheffield Ski Village into a new country park to provide much needed green space for local residents and enhance the city’s reputation as the outdoor city.
Securing government funding enables us to progress with the exciting next stages of redeveloping the site. Together, we’re working to create something truly exceptional and I cannot wait to get spades in the ground.
Casework Corner
Over the past month, my team and I have opened 485 new cases, helping people with their issues and concerns.
The most common topics raised with me were:
- Health services
- Crime, law and rights
- Housing and planning
Please do get in touch if I or my team can be of assistance.