Dear resident,
I’m writing to share some updates on the work I’ve been doing recently, both in Westminster and here in our local schools and communities. From advocating for better ADHD services to seeing first-hand the difference our schools are making; it has been a busy and rewarding few weeks.
Standing Up for Adoptive Families
Adoptive families provide extraordinary love, stability, and care to children who need it most. But too often, these families do not receive the timely support they are entitled to. That’s why I recently raised a question in Parliament with the Secretary of State for Education about the future of the Adoption Support Fund (ASF). I welcomed the news that the ASF will continue as it has been a lifeline for many adoptive families, offering therapeutic services and specialist help. However, delays in accessing this support, coupled with a lack of clarity about long-term funding, are leaving families in uncertain positions. I asked the Secretary of State what steps the department is taking to address these concerns and ensure that adoptive families are not left to navigate these challenges alone. I will continue to press for improvements and stand up for families in our community who need this vital support.
Tackling the ADHD Diagnosis and Care Crisis
As Chair of the SEND APPG, and having ADHD myself, I know how essential timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can be. Unfortunately, I’ve been hearing from many constituents who are facing growing delays in accessing ADHD services.
In some areas, people are waiting not just months, but two, five, or even seven years – an utterly unacceptable situation that is having a serious impact on people’s lives, education, work, and wellbeing. Even more concerning is the regional disparity in services. Where you live should not determine whether you get the care you need.
I raised this matter directly with the Minister, calling for urgent action to reduce waiting times and protect people’s Right to Choose – a right which enables patients to seek care from providers outside their local area if waiting times become unreasonable. I will keep working to make sure the government addresses these unacceptable inequalities and ensures that people with ADHD receive the timely and appropriate support they deserve.
Labour’s Breakfast Clubs
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Totley All Saints Primary School, where I saw first-hand the rollout of Labour’s new free breakfast clubs. This initiative aims to ensure that every child starts the school day with a nutritious meal, something that’s increasingly important during a time of rising food insecurity and financial pressure on families. The breakfast club at Totley All Saints is not only helping to improve children’s concentration and wellbeing, but it also offers recreational activities and extended childcare hours, providing valuable support for working parents. As one of the early adopters of this policy, the school is playing an important role in shaping how this programme can be rolled out nationally. I look forward to seeing how this initiative develops and what we can learn from the experiences of schools like Totley All Saints.
Engaging with Local Schools
In addition to visiting Totley All Saints, I also spent time at Totley Primary School, where I was warmly welcomed by staff and students. It was great to answer pupils’ questions ahead of their Westminster visit. Further to this, I had the opportunity to share my experiences as an MP with students at King Ecgberts School.
Commemorating VE Day and Honouring Our History
This year marks 80 years since VE Day when the Second World War officially ended in Europe. As we mark 80 years since that historic moment, we remember the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of all those who lived through the war. We must also reflect on the enduring importance of peace. I had the opportunity to join residents in Worrall for a commemoration event. It was a moving occasion, filled with community spirit.
Raising Awareness About Melanoma
It was great to be able to join constituents and campaigners in both Parliament and in Sheffield, at the Weston park bus, in town. I joined constituents to mark the importance of raising awareness about melanoma and how preventative measures can reduce the risk of it. Thank you to Melanoma Focus and Charlotte Killeya for all that they do.
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer, but with early detection and increased awareness, outcomes can be significantly improved. Campaigns like Melanoma Awareness Month help inform the public about symptoms, sun safety, and the importance of regular skin checks. I’m proud to support this work, and I will continue to advocate for better public health education and equitable access to diagnosis and treatment.
Protecting the Rights of Trans People
Far from offering clarity, the EHRC’s guidance on single-sex spaces has caused more uncertainty and worry amongst constituents, as well as charities, schools and other organisations. I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on trans people’s right to self-identification. I also asked the Minister about extending the consultation from six weeks to twelve weeks, as is regular for Parliamentary consultations.
Trans people deserve to live with dignity, safety, and autonomy. Yet many constituents have told me they are feeling increasingly marginalised in national debates. We must ensure that public guidance is informed by lived experience, upholds equality law, and avoids stigmatising already vulnerable communities. I will continue to advocate for inclusive policies grounded in respect and evidence.
Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
There is little to no evidence that access to employment is a driver of asylum claims. In fact, the UK’s work ban is an international outlier. However, there is mounting evidence to back a change in policy. Like many constituents who have written to me, I believe we must lift the ban and turn the page on the previous government’s hostile-by-design asylum system. It is time we stopped sidelining people’s skills and dignity, instead recognising the value they can bring. This is why I attended The right work event in Parlimament, aswell as supported an amendment to the Border Security Asylum and Immigration Bill that reflects this.
The war in Gaza
The situation in Gaza continues to be devastating. Since October 2023, I have consistently and firmly pushed for all those with power to act and ensure that the death toll is minimised to the greatest extent possible. As your member of Parliament I have sought to do what I can to both express the depth and scale of the horror that is felt in Sheffield Hallam and across the world and to support the Palestinian people. This has included repeatedly calling for a ceasefire, speaking in Parliament, writing to Ministers, and supporting Early Day Motions
More recently, I asked the Foreign Secretary what further action the Government will take to bring the devastation in Gaza to an end. F-35s have played a pivotal role in Israel’s destruction of Gaza. I have joined colleagues in reiterating my call that the UK cannot be complicit, and must halt all arms exports to Israel.
In the face of an escalating crisis in the Middle East, I will continue to advocate for a just and lasting peace in Israel and Palestine, and for the British government to use all diplomatic and political means at its disposal to help achieve it. I believe that a just and lasting peace must uphold the equal rights, dignity, and security of Palestinians and Israelis. Such a peace cannot be achieved without an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the release of Palestinian political prisoners held without charge or trial under Israel’s policy of administrative detention. Accountability for violations of international law must apply, and there must be a renewed commitment to diplomacy, human rights, and justice. Only through an end to the occupation, the dismantling of apartheid structures, and the recognition of our shared humanity can we build a future in which both peoples live in freedom and safety.
Add a line about concern in Iran/Israel escalation, efforts should be made to deescalate etc.
Climate and Nature
Alongside my constituency work, I continue to serve on the Environmental Audit Committee, which scrutinises the government’s policies on environmental protection and climate change. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Natural capital policies, when properly designed, can nurture and enhance nature and result in substantial financial inflows into ecosystem services. Our most recent report focuses on the urgent steps the government must take to protect and restore our natural environment, including tackling biodiversity loss, pollution, and habitat degradation. You can find the full report here .
I am also supporting this work through the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Local Nature Recovery, which brings together MPs, experts, and community groups to explore how we can empower local people to lead nature recovery efforts in their own areas. Whether it’s restoring rivers or creating green corridors, this work is critical to building a more resilient and nature-positive future.
Sheffield’s Local Plan
The Local Plan consultation is now live. You can have your say through this link.
The consultation closes on Friday 11th of July and residents are encouraged to fill it in.
As ever, thank you for reading my update. If there is anything my team or I can support you with please do not hesitate to contact me on olivia.blake.mp@parliament.uk
Kind regards,
Olivia Blake MP
