🦔On Monday I called on the Government to introduce stronger protections for hedgehogs and all endangered species, during a Westminster Hall debate. If we’re aiming for species abundance then raising the threshold for species protections is a step in the wrong direction. We shouldn’t wait for species to become critically endangered before extending protections to it. You can watch my speech during the debate here.
🐦As a Hen Harrier species champion, this week I also joined representatives from RSPB on a trip to see a hen harrier chicks in the Peak District, and observe the satellite-tagging process. It was amazing to see these birds up close, and hear more about the important work to protect them!
✊I met with the Institute for Customer Services to discuss their Service With Respect campaign and hear about how I can help champion the campaign in Parliament, to ensure all customer service workers in all sectors are protected.
🚨 This week the Government’s Policing Bill returned to Parliament. Sadly, nothing has changed. The Tories are still pushing ahead with the draconian bill which will extend police powers, erode our Right To Protest, and further criminalise and discriminate against the Gypsy Roma and Traveller community. I opposed the Bill on Monday and will be speaking at the Sheffield Against the Policing Bill rally this Saturday – I hope to see you there!
💙I celebrated the 73rd birthday of the NHS, by sending a huge message of thanks to all the key workers who gave their all to look after us this year and by continuing to call on the Government to grant them the proper pay rise they deserve.
🗳️This week the Government announced their Voter ID plans, which will price people out of democracy and stop millions from having their say at the ballot box. I, along with my Labour colleagues, will be fighting this every step of the way.
🏫As part of a project run by Hope for the Future, I met with school children in Hallam to answer their questions about my work on the climate and hear about their ideas for tackling the climate emergency.
🎓I sent a message of solidarity to everyone at the Save the Arts and Humanities Rally about the potential closure of the Archaeology department. Many people have contacted me to raise there concerns about this decision.
⚽Finally, I want to wish the England football team, and particularly our Sheffield trio, a massive good luck for the final on Sunday! Whatever happens you have made us all proud!