It was great to be at the Labour conference earlier this week, where lots of announcements were made to help rebuild the country. More information about this below.

Before I give an update on what has been happening in Parliament and in the constituency, I wanted to address the appalling far-right riots which took place over the summer.

The racist violence and hatred were truly horrendous, and I continue to stand in full solidarity with the victims of this horrendous violence. Those who were involved are already facing the full force of the law.

I also want to thank and express my admiration for the emergency service workers and volunteers who stepped up to help people through these awful times.

Sheffield will not be divided by hate and we must remain united against racism.

In the first few months of a Labour government, we have already hit the ground running with our clear mission to fix the foundations of the country.

Party Conference

It was great to attend the Labour Party Conference, but this time as Secretary of State for Transport.

I was clear with Conference, that I have instructed my department to work fast and fix things, and that is what we’re doing.

By the end of this Parliament our railways will be in public ownership, working in the service of passengers.

Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill

I said that my department would move fast, and fix things and I am pleased that the Passenger Railways Services Bill, which will bring railway services into public ownership passed all its Commons stages. This will now be considered in the House of Lords.

We are now a significant step closer to public ownership of our railways and our mission to rebuild Britain, so everyone has the same opportunity, no matter where they live.

End to Rail Strikes

Great news for rail passengers across the country as we ended the longest national rail strikes in recent history.

Now we can get on with delivering publicly-owned rail and root-and-branch reform, which will modernise our railways.

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Hillsborough Law 

I was immensely proud to hear our Prime Minister announce that the Government will fulfil its commitment to introduce a ‘Hillsborough Law’ into Parliament before April next year.

Ahead of the Hillsborough anniversary, Labour will bring forward legislation to establish a legal duty of candour for all public bodies. This law will include provisions for criminal sanctions against any official or authority found to have misled or obstructed investigations.

Homes for Heroes 

In his speech at Conference, Keir Starmer announced an inspiring commitment to end veteran homelessness. I’m proud to share that we will ensure all of our heroes who are struggling with housing are given the homes they deserve.

But we won’t stop there. Our plans also extend to providing safe and secure housing for others in urgent need, including young care leavers and survivors of domestic abuse.

Great British Energy to be based in Aberdeen

I’m excited to share that we now know Aberdeen will be the home of Great British Energy, which we always knew would be based in Scotland.

This publicly-owned national champion will lead the charge in delivering our clean energy mission. Since the General Election, we’ve already made great strides—supporting new solar projects, launching new offshore wind initiatives, and lifting the needless ban on onshore wind farms.

Together, we’re building a greener future for Britain and creating jobs that will power our country for generations to come.

Domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms

In her Conference speech, the Home Secretary made a powerful commitment to halve violence against women and girls within the next decade. The first crucial step in this mission is the Government’s promise to place domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms.

This is a vital measure that will ensure victims receive the urgent help they need. We cannot, and will not, allow the next generation of women and girls to face the same violence as those before them.

Our daughters deserve better. That’s why this Labour Government is introducing Raneem’s Law—so no one is left to suffer in silence.

Conflict in the Middle East

Our government has taken the decision to suspend licences for arms exports that could be used in the current conflict in Gaza.

It is absolutely right to take this action as the Foreign Secretary David Lammy has assessed that these weapons could be used to commit or facilitate international Humanitarian Law.

While the decision to suspend arms licences is a significant and necessary step, our priority remains achieving an immediate ceasefire which sees hostages released, civilians protected and aid flood in. We urge all sides to accept the deal to end this war.

DVSA

Many residents and parents across the country have written to me about how they are trying to book driving tests for their loved ones and are facing intolerable delays.

The situation for learner drivers in this country is unacceptable. Drivers who are ready to pass should be able to take a test quickly and easily, without being ripped off or having to travel.

I was pleased to meet with the DVSA’s Chief Executive to discuss solutions on how we can move forward to make sure that learner drivers are able to take a test quickly.

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Grenfell Inquiry

After seven long years, the inquiry into the fire at Grenfell was published.

Being in the House of Commons to hear that all deaths that occurred were avoidable and those who had expressed concerns for years were dismissed, was absolutely devastating.

This was a gross miscarriage of justice, and they were let down so badly by organisations meant to protect them. It is crucial that this failure does not happen again – there must be full accountability, including through the Criminal Justice System.

Our government will make sure that justice is served to all those bereaved by this tragedy, and we have already shown our commitment to making sure that we will continue to take action to stop this from ever happening again.

NHS Reform 

Last month, the conclusions of Lord Darzi’s report came through and it shows that the NHS is in a critical condition.

Without urgent reform, the NHS will suffer even more. The Prime Minister is in the process of drawing up a new ten-year plan for the health service considering this damning report.

We have already achieved our first step in reforming the NHS, as junior doctors have voted to accept the pay offer agreed with the British Medical Association.

This will bring an end to strikes and is a crucial step forward in our mission to fix the NHS.

Climate at the forefront of UK Foreign Policy

It has never been starker that the climate crisis must be addressed. Worldwide, billions are feeling the impact of climate change, and their lives continue to be upturned.

Last week, the government took the first steps in seriously addressing the urgent climate crisis and making sure the UK is a leader in the climate crisis.

The Foreign Secretary has announced that the government will be central to everything that the Foreign Office does and will work on the global stage to address the emergency.

Taking back control of our Buses 

After 40 years of failed deregulation and falling passenger numbers, I introduced crucial legislation in Parliament to allow every community in England to take back control of our buses to act on behalf of passengers.

People across the country have been failed by short notice cancellations, delays, and loss of routes.

This legislation allows every area of the country to bring their buses into public control.

Renters Reform Bill 

Previous governments have left private renters to suffer for too long. Years of broken promises have meant that tenants are living in feeble conditions.

I have been contacted by residents who have shared with me their horror stories of their own private landlords who have used and abused Section 21 notices to remove tenants from their properties.

Some landlords are refusing to carry out essential repairs and tenants are living in mouldy and damp conditions.

The government has taken the first steps to introduce new legislation that will strengthen tenants’ rights and protections which will transform the rights of 11 million private renters across the country.

This is a watershed moment of legislation that will challenge years of an unfair balance between landlords and tenants.

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National Cycle Network

From commuting to exploring, cycling is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to get around.

I recently explored some of the National Cycle Network along the TransPennine Trail and got to chat about the state of the country’s cycling network.

Making sure that active travel routes are there and available to use is a key priority and to encourage people to get out there.

Investing in safe cycle routes helps our public health, the climate crisis and delivering growth. I will continue to work on having safe and accessible cycling routes up and down the country.

Batemoor Park

I was really pleased to visit Batemoor Park recently to see the new refurbishments.

I have been working with the Friends of Batemoor Park group for some time to ensure that they receive much needed investment to ensure that young people across the community can use this amazing park.

The Friends group have worked so hard and secured investment to install new pay equipment, new benches and CCTV amongst other things. This is not the end for the Friends group and we’ll continue to support them in making the park fully accessible and fit for purpose for the whole community.

Rose Garden Reopening

Over the summer, the Rose Garden Café reopened its doors after being closed for almost two years.

It was great to catch up with the Friends of Graves Park group to see how much progress they have made in re-opening the cafe and how the Partnership group with Sheffield City Council is working in the best interest of the park.

Manor and Castle Development Trust 

It was fantastic to meet Lucy from the Manor and Castle Development trust to find out more about the brilliant work they have been doing in the community.

I have been aware of their great community work for sometime but to hear about the actual impact they’re having and the range of support they offer is brilliant.

From wellbeing cafes to specialist employment support, they are helping to uplift the area and make sure that local residents are supported.

Woodlands Primary School

It was wonderful to visit Woodlands Primary School recently to speak to year five and six pupils about my role as a constituency MP and Secretary of State for Transport.

I was pleased to hear what they have been learning about in the first couple of weeks of term. They had some brilliant questions for me about my role as an MP and my work across the constituency and in Parliament.

Labour’s plan for education will make sure that the barriers for opportunity are knocked down, by making sure that school is the best place for children to be, by supporting parents to send their children to school and working with parents and schools on this.

Christmas card competition

This week I have written to all primary school head teachers and once again launched this year’s Christmas Card competition.

If you have a child or grandchild in primary school in the constituency then encourage them to enter my competition. This year’s theme is Christmas and Local Transport, celebrating the wonderful buses, trains and trams that keep the city moving.

Entries need to be in by Friday 22nd November and please ensure you include the child’s name, school and age on the back of the entry. Entries can be emailed via: Louise.Haigh.MP@Parliament.uk or posted to the office via: 63-65 Chesterfield Road, S8 0RL

A61 consultation

Sheffield City Council has recently launched their consultation to gain residents and businesses feedback on proposed changes to the A61. They held two drop-in sessions to gain views and to speak to residents directly.

If you didn’t manage to visit one of the drop in sessions, then don’t worry, there is still time to have your say. The closing date for comments is Friday 4th October and you can find more details about the proposals and share your feedback via the link below.

Don’t forget to have your say!

Connecting Sheffield A61 Consultation

Bus changes in Sheffield

At the beginning of September, changes were made to some bus services across the constituency, namely in Gleadless Valley and Chancet Wood.

I know that the changes that have been made in both of these areas have caused concern by residents. I am working with the Mayor to see what additional changes can be made to routes to ensure that residents can move around their communities and the city easier.

I will give you feedback when I have more information. If you have been affected by these changes then please email me to let me know how the changes have affected you – Louise@LouiseHaigh.org.uk

The Gleadless Valley Masterplan

Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee has decided to pause the Gleadless Valley Masterplan and refresh the plan. Rising costs over the last few years has stalled the implementation of the plan.

I’m working closely with the Council to ensure that a new plan is developed as soon as possible and crucially, a delivery plan is also created alongside this. In the meantime, I will be pushing the Council to ensure that all essential repairs are carried out on residents’ homes across the Valley.

Gleadless Valley TARA Chair

It was great to meet with the new Chair of the TARA Matt Lawton. Matt takes over from the previous long serving Chair Sally who worked hard to advocate for all tenants and the Valley.

I’m committed to working with Matt and the TARA to ensure that all residents across Gleadless Valley are supported.