With Sheffield going into Tier 3 of the government’s coronavirus restrictions, the uncertainty of the last few weeks has been difficult for many businesses, families, and individuals across Hallam.

I’ve been doing everything I can to keep holding the government to account over their response to coronavirus, the ongoing Brexit process, and the pressing climate emergency.

Here is a quick update on some of the things I have been getting up to over the past week or so:

💰 When it was announced that Sheffield would be going into Tier 3 of the coronavirus crisis restrictions, I immediately lobbied the government to extend the coronavirus job retention scheme and plug the holes in the system, so that no one in Sheffield falls through the cracks. You can see my interview with Andrew Neil on Times radio here.

🍲 When the government refused to extend free school meal vouchers to children this half term, I spoke up about the injustice on ITV Calendar and in the Sheffield Star. Sheffield City Council have now stepped in to help feed the 22,000 children in our city – who could otherwise be going hungry this half term because of our failing government.

🏥  During a Black History Month debate in Parliament, I called for an end to the government’s hostile environment policies, which have left Sheffield resident Simba without access to lifesaving treatment. I joined campaigners across Sheffield in a week of action, in which I wrote to the government about this injustice.

🐄  After hundreds of you got in touch, concerned about the future of our trading standards, I challenged the government over their failure to protect British farmers from being undercut, uphold vital food and animal welfare standards, and commit to zero-carbon emissions in the sector.

I know the next few weeks are going to be difficult for many of us, but I will continue to do everything I can to represent each and every one of you.

If there is an issue that you would like me to be speaking out about, a campaign you are running, or a problem you are facing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at olivia.blake.mp@parliament.uk.