Since my last update, I’d like to say a massive thank you as I am delighted to have the privilege to serve as your Member of Parliament for Sheffield Hallam.

I also recognise that many of you made a different choice. Regardless of how you voted, I am committed to serving as an MP for our entire community because the challenges we face, such as the cost of living, the state of our public services, our health service, the economy, and the climate and nature emergency, affect us all. These are significant issues, and in the discussions on how to tackle them, I am determined and hopeful that the voices of the people in Sheffield Hallam will be heard. I will continue to run my regular advice surgeries and raise your concerns in Parliament when we need to campaign for change.

The new Government has now outlined its legislative agenda in the King’s Speech. During the debate on the speech, I emphasised that addressing the climate and nature emergency must be a top priority. I’m pleased that this government is committed to making the UK a clean energy superpower by 2030. By investing in clean energy infrastructure and innovation, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint while creating new job opportunities and driving economic growth.

I was also pleased to hear about tougher rules on sewage dumping. While campaigning, I heard first hand from concerned residents about the impact of sewage on our waterways and local ecosystems. You might recall from my last newsletter that in May, I joined local councillors on a visit to Rivelin Valley. I enjoyed speaking with volunteers about how they regularly monitor the river to assess pollution levels and the diversity of river insects. It is unacceptable that untreated sewage continues to flow into our rivers, endangering wildlife and compromising water quality, so it’s encouraging that we have seen an early commitment from the Government to crack down on those who pollute our rivers and waterways. You can watch part of my speech here.

• Recently, I visited the Snowdrop Project, where I had the chance to meet their incredible team. The Snowdrop Project empowers survivors of modern slavery by providing essential services like counselling, casework, and community support. With an estimated 130,000 people trapped in modern slavery in the UK, this cause is vital. They are currently seeking volunteers for childcare and house renovations. Learn more here.

• I was delighted to speak at the Hen Harrier Day event, organised by Hen Harrier Action, which champions the celebration and protection of our upland wildlife. It was an inspiring day dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of our landscapes. You can watch my full speech here.
• I attended the first meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Environment in July, where we elected a new committee for 2024/25. It was a pleasure to reaffirm my commitment to working with MPs and peers from across parties who are ready to champion ambition on climate and nature in Parliament.

• I’m delighted that the first bill introduced under this government will bring our railways back into public ownership. Our railways should serve passengers, not profit, and help build the infrastructure needed to green our society and achieve net-zero emissions. We have long known that Britain’s railways are in crisis, with passengers facing delays, overcrowding, and cancellations. For many communities, the buses are no better, and my inbox is regularly filled with reports of cancelled buses or the negative impact of route closures.

• In a parliamentary debate on education and opportunity, I spoke about the provision for special educational needs and disabilities. Early intervention is crucial to ensuring that all students have the support they need to thrive. I was also pleased to attend a meeting with Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP and other Labour MPs, where we discussed how we will work together to improve the SEND system. You can watch part of my speech here.

• I was delighted to join ActionAid UK’s event in Parliament in July. Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis but are often excluded from environmental leadership. Gender equality and climate action are inseparable – we must tackle both together.