Thank you, Ms Cummins, for giving me the opportunity to speak. It is a real privilege to deliver my maiden speech in this debate on the Bill, which will see the biggest overhaul to transportation in a generation. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Grahame Morris) on making excellent points about placing passengers at the heart of decisions, rather than unthinkable profits for shareholders.
I deliver my maiden speech with a sense of profound honour and humility. Representing the vibrant and diverse community of Sheffield Central is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I would like to start by saying a few words about my predecessor, Paul Blomfield. A Labour MP for the last 14 years, Paul turned a majority of 165 to a majority of a whopping 27,000. He achieved this electoral popularity because he made politics accessible and was a great constituency MP. He listened to people and made their concerns his priority. He fought for the people of Sheffield Central tirelessly and consistently. He is everything we should look for in the character of elected Members: humble, honest and extremely hard working. He has received many awards in recognition of that. On a personal level, Paul has been my mentor. His guidance and support during my campaign have been invaluable, and for that I am deeply grateful. If he is watching, I would like to thank him for all the support that he has given me, and for everything that he has done for the people of Sheffield Central.
Sheffield Central is a microcosm of all that is Sheffield and all that is modern Britain. It is characterised by its rich cultural diversity, beautiful green spaces and a thriving independent economic dynamism. From the beautiful Bole hill views to the new Pound’s Park in the city centre, the small independent shops in Sharrow Vale and the up-and-coming Neepsend and Kelham, we have an unwavering sense of community spirit that genuinely makes every area feel like home. That is because it is home to remarkable individuals and organisations that
work tirelessly to make our city a better place. It is a place where tradition meets innovation; we have seen the recent excavation and regeneration of a 12th century castle, and have new thriving business hubs, such as Leah’s Yard, which was the place of old toolmakers and is now the city’s new exciting independent home for makers and creatives. Sheffield has earned its stripes as the undisputed start-up capital of the UK. We also have a very large student population. Sheffield Central is home to two brilliant, world-class universities that enrich the fabric of our community. I am fortunate to have been a student at both of these excellent institutions at various points in my life.
With vibrant museums and the largest theatre complex outside London, we are a city that recognises people’s creativity, knowledge, identity, traditions and passions. Our theatres have been home to the world snooker championship since 1977 and, more recently, the multi-award-winning musical, “Standing at the Sky’s Edge”. Sheffield has no desire to copy; we desire to celebrate and embody our uniqueness. We storm ahead in our ability to bring people together, to think, to create and to celebrate.
3.45 pm
As the first city of sanctuary, Sheffield is a city rich in diversity, with settled communities and heritages from all over the world. In 1963, a man crossed two continents to start a life in the city of Sheffield. He came by invitation of the British Government to work in the then growing steel industry. He was drawn by the desire to better himself and his family. Later, his son joined him in the 1970s and they worked for the renowned Forgemasters. In 1982, they were able to support the journey of a young woman and her two little girls from the Yemen to the United Kingdom. That man was my grandfather, and you are listening to one of those little girls tell her story now.
I am honoured to be the first person of Yemeni heritage and the first British Arab woman to be elected as a Member of Parliament. I am immensely proud of that honour, and I feel privileged to represent not just my constituency, but every person who has ever hoped for a better future. I have climbed personal mountains and faced many personal barriers and hurdles that have come my way, and not only have I had to overcome them, but I have fought for and helped many others along the way.
I grew up in some of the most deprived parts of Sheffield and attended some of the most underachieving schools. I grew up with people like me: people who had very little hope and huge odds stacked against them; people who did not understand politics and systems, just day-to-day survival. And when life becomes about survival, living within the constraints of our own prism, our voice is our only means of breaking through.
I left school with 4 GCSEs and went on to graduate four times. I refused to become a statistic. I refused to be defined by my postcode or the school I went to. I worked hard to qualify as a teacher and then a lawyer. But I am never satisfied unless I am using my experiences and voice to better the lives of others. I have consoled and wept with many parents who have lost their children to gang violence, either buried or in prison. I have worked tirelessly, bringing together the police and youth providers, developing community-led services, working
to reduce crime and getting young people engaged in community activity and into jobs or education. I have supported women fleeing domestic violence and sought better support for them and ensured their safety.
I recognise that there are many priorities in politics, but building strong communities will always be at the heart of mine. I will champion localism, ensuring that local authorities and, equally, community organisations and charities get the support they need to deliver the best in early years, youth work and mental health support, creating local jobs and services for those who need them the most. I will press on the urgency of our commitment on climate action, where we work for the best interests of our planet rather than the interests of oil and gas companies. I will advocate for more affordable housing to provide younger people hope for the future.
And hope is key. Hope will shape our individual stories, who we are and the journeys we take. I personally broke through deprivation barriers by embracing the education system and the opportunities provided then by the Labour Government. A strong education system is the cornerstone of a thriving society. It is the key to unlocking potential and creating opportunities. So supporting the education system, from early years right through to higher education, will always be a key priority not just for me but for the constituency I represent.
I will also use my platform to strongly advocate for cohesion in society. I am driven by the belief that fairness and inclusion are core values that must be embodied in all that we do. I will do everything in my power to promote multiculturalism in our brilliant country and will reject the tired populism of blame, exclusion and hate. Our unity is our strength. Indeed, the positive reactions against the recent riots celebrated an identity of diversity and inclusiveness.
As I look ahead, I am filled not with foreboding, but with optimism. We have a new Labour Government with a strong mandate from across the country. I will work with my colleagues to strengthen and champion our communities. I will work alongside anyone who wants to eradicate racism and bind our cosmopolitan communities together. We are strengthened by our diversity, not weakened by it, and we must hold firm to the fundamental rights and freedoms we all cherish. It is imperative that everyone feels valued and included, and we must strive to ensure that our public services are accessible to all. I will work tirelessly to make and promote laws and policies that foster inclusivity and challenge the systemic barriers that prevent all individuals from reaching their full potential.
I stand here as a woman of colour, alongside many others from different backgrounds, and as a proud product of multiculturalism who now has the honour and privilege of being the voice of the people of Sheffield Central and beyond. I am here to listen, to learn, to serve and to act in the best interests of all our communities.