“This is about people’s lives”: Sheffield rallies against proposed changes to UK immigration policy
Enraged by the changes to UK immigration policy proposed by the Home Secretary last week, hundreds gathered on Devonshire Green over the weekend, hoping to consolidate Sheffield as a place of refuge for those who seek asylum here.
Addressing a packed House of Commons last Monday, Shabana Mahmood was clear in her conviction that the pressure being placed upon Britain’s borders was growing and could no longer be ignored.
The Home Secretary advised: “We must acknowledge that the world has changed and our asylum system has not changed with it.”
Perhaps the most contested of the government’s reforms, though, were those announced by Mahmood a week ago on Friday, which will look at altering the qualifying periods for indefinite leave to remain (IDLR).
According to the new rules, the default qualifying period for IDLR will be doubled from five to 10 years, with migrants who arrived on the health and social care visa being forced to wait 15 years before they can earn settlement.
Meanwhile, claiming benefits or entering the country by illegal means could extend this default period by a further 20 years.
Protesters gather in Tudor Square to demonstrate their anger at the changes proposed by Mahmood
(Source: Evie Wynne)
Attendees at Saturday’s demonstration, organised by Stand Up to Racism, expressed concerns about the potential impact of Labour’s rhetoric upon the refugee community here in Sheffield.
Emma Davis, 39, an activist for Stand Up to Racism, said: “This is not just about paper policies, this is about people’s lives.
“The idea that you could be stuck on indefinite leave to remain for 25 years if you claim benefits? That’s both anti-working class and anti-migrant.”
City of Sanctuary, an independent charity providing support to refugees across the city, was quick to second this anxiety.
Director, Tom Martin, said: “We stand firmly against reforms that erode protection and instead advocate for compassionate, workable alternatives including fair decision-making, safe routes, the right to work, and meaningful integration pathways.”
Mr Martin worries that, by conditionalising migrants’ right to safety in this way, the government will leave them at risk of further precarity, whether in the form of trafficking, coercion or abuse.
The Snowdrop Project, a Sheffield-based charity caring for survivors of modern slavery and exploitation, echoed these concerns in an article published to their website.
CEO, Rachel Medina, wrote: “The vast majority of our clients are third-country nationals who would be affected profoundly by these changes from both a modern slavery and immigration perspective.
“Survivors deserve to be safeguarded, not scapegoated.”
But while the fear and apprehension surrounding these changes are certainly palpable, so, too, is the hope.
Responding to recent demonstrations by UKIP, Harry Bracken, 26, said: "Sheffield clearly stated, when we outnumbered them 10 to one, that we don't tolerate that kind of behaviour in our city."
With its overarching message as one of community, tolerance, and, above all, peace, Saturday's demonstration was certainly a heartening example of grassroots organising in action.
Boost in support for Moor Market jacket potato stall after SpudBros hype
Jacket potatoes are having a moment in Sheffield, but instead of feeling defeated by the recent opening of a viral baked potato chain, a long standing Moor market trader is grateful for “a shed load of free advertising”.
The TikTok-famous SpudBros opened on the 12 November at 1pm to queues of 400 people, lasting almost 24 hours, according to the BBC.
But customers took to social media to celebrate a much more established jacket potato trader.
Nick Shepherd, 57, has run The Humble Spud in the Moor Market for 33 years.
He said: “I'm really happy they've opened in Sheffield cos it's given me a shed load of free advertising.”
He posted on Facebook that he would be open an extra day in the lead up to Christmas to Facebook and instead of receiving his usual ‘seen by 600 people’, this post reached 99,000, leading The Humble Spud to live up to its name.
Mr Shepherd said: “It's really humbling if I'm honest, straight away I looked at the comments, because they said 'which one would you go for?'
"I kept scrolling down and pretty much every one said The Humble Spud.
“I know I provide a good service, we wouldn't be here as long as we have done if we didn't, we're still serving people today that I was serving back then.
"People used to come here with their parents and now they're coming here and bringing their children, you know you're doing something right but then to see it, it really brings it home.”
It is a 10 minute walk across the city centre to SpudBros on Fargate, but Mr Shepherd wishes they had opened in The Moor.
He said: “All their customers would see me and think, you know what, he’s half the price.”
The Humble Spud serves oven cooked potatoes with traditional fillings like beans, cheese, tuna, coleslaw and cottage cheese and charges between £2.70 and £5.20 for a spud, whereas the SpudBros menu ranges from £5 to £10.50.
He said: “I've seen in the media SpudBros saying they're doing 'unique fillings' like cheese and tuna and I’m thinking we've been doing cheese and tuna for three decades!”
Pete Waterman OBE, Simon Kohler “Mr Hornby”, and Jools Holland attending Rails of Sheffield grand opening tomorrow
Industry legend, Pete Waterman OBE, will be cutting the ribbon at 10am on Saturday to celebrate the opening of Rails of Sheffield's second store at Sheffield Railway Station, that sells model trains and railways.
Mr Waterman, president of the Railway Benefit Fund and avid train modeller, has raised £2m and awarded over 3,000 grants to support railway workers who need help.
He also currently holds the Guinness World Record for the 'Largest Portable Model Railway', making him a perfect choice for the task.
Simon Kohler, affectionately known as Mr Hornby the ex marketing manager of Hornby Hobbies Limited, will be attending the event with model train enthusiast, Jools Holland.
After the ribbon has been cut tomorrow (29 November), the store will be open for the general public to browse and make purchases.
Richard Brighton, the retail manager, said: "We know our customers will love the location as so many of them arrive in the city by train.
"We are passionate about offering a real retail experience to our customers as well as a huger online offering."
There are many Black Friday deals on specific products over the weekend, as well as a 5% discount on new items and a 10% discount on pre-owned items bought from either the station or the flagship store.
There will be some exclusive models only available to Rails of Sheffield at the station which offer unique features and exceptionally high levels of quality.
Mr Brighton said: "It is phenomenally important for any hobby that people have the ability to look at, touch and feel the products that they are spending money on as well as the opportunity to talk with real people for advice, support or simply to share their love of the hobby!"
Throughout the day tomorrow, a free bus service will run between the Station store and their flagship store, allowing costumers to experience everything Rails of Sheffield has to offer.
You will be able to find the new store via the South entrance of the station, just off Cross Turner Street.
Picture credit Rails of Sheffield.
Independent bookshop says Black Friday sales threaten our “magical places”
A small bookshop owner is encouraging people to support local businesses among the mania of Black Friday.
Kate Nixon, owner of Novel, an independent book shop on School Road, Sheffield, has drafted a digital manifesto to give people more options on how to shop.
The newsletter encourages people to "log off, touch grass/manhandle products, go to a real shop".
Mrs Nixon wrote: "It seems we've entered a new epoch as social media users and I don't think many of us are having a very good time over on the apps!"
Small businesses have traditionally struggled to compete on Black Friday, as large retailers like Amazon benefit from being able to slash prices even lower.
Mrs Nixon told us that local businesses can offer people far more than just low prices: "Bookshops are pretty magical places.
"You have to think of it as an experience more so than just a place you shop at."
Beyond just selling books, Novel puts on workshops, author events and is even organising a book festival with other independent retailers.
Mrs Nixon is keen to empower people to make "tiny tweaks" that result in "a massive difference to the local economy".
She said "I really appreciate having things that are at a walkable distance from my home".
Some local retailers have decided to not engage with Black Friday at all.
Nick Dutch, Director of the Real Computer Shop on Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, said: "Black Friday is just another annoyance to us.
“Unless you want an air fryer, or you want to get £20 off a Switch, then most Black Friday deals are a con anyway.”
He believes that customers are tempted by low prices from large retailers, who look only to make as much money as possible.
“They’re set up to crush us all out,” Mr Dutch said.
Mrs Nixon believes that paying a little extra is worth it for what independent shops can offer.
"We pay for the world we want," she said. “It makes a massive, massive difference.”
Doncaster’s first grief awareness event to address ‘how little support is out there’
An event to create awareness around how to navigate the process of losing a loved one is being held this weekend in Doncaster.
In the run up to National Grief Awareness week from 2 to 8 December, the event titled 'Coming Together Through Life and Loss' is taking place this Sunday at Memoria Doncaster in Barnby Dun.
The day will host a range of activities with attendees having the opportunities to speak to a variety of people who may be involved in the grieving process.
This will include specialist funeral directors, celebrants, and others experiencing bereavement.
Tracy Beavis, 61, set up the event as a Founding Director of the CIC (community interest company) 'Found My Niche' which has been offering help since May 2024.
When starting the peer support groups following the loss of her parents, she saw a significant gap in people being able to access affordable help and has since become a Certified Grief Specialist.
She said: "Every day it becomes more and more apparent just how little support there is out there, or if there is support people don't know about it."
The event is in collaboration with Be Well Doncaster, a community health and wellbeing organisation, so people can be reliably informed about both grief and the week of awareness.
It has been promoted to be a multi-generational, multi-cultural and multi-faith gathering so everyone is welcome and parents are being encouraged to bring children along.
Mrs Beavis said: "The sooner children learn about grief and dying, the more normalised it'll become and the less of a stigma there will be linked to it."
She highlighted the importance of people being able to talk about their loved ones in a space free of judgement and hopes this event furthers that message.
Talking about her work being a vehicle to bridge the gap of accessing support she said: "We're here to stay and we're not just a flash in the pan.
"What we're doing is making a difference and I will keep banging that drum."
Sheffield Wednesday sign England international Nathan Redmond
Sheffield Wednesday have signed ex-England winger Nathan Redmond on a short-term deal until January 2026.
This announcement follows a couple of weeks of successful training with the club for the 31-year-old, who left Burnley in the summer.
Redmond played consistently for England in all junior age groups, and made his only senior international appearance against Germany in 2017.
Wednesday sit at the bottom of the Championship and are on minus four points after entering administration.
This signing leaves ex-Sunderland and Millwall player Duncan Watmore, who has also been training with the Owls, currently without a club.
It is reported that Rotherham United are keen to enter negotiations regarding Watmore.
Picture credit- Sheffield Wednesday FC
Kneecap take Sheffield by storm ahead of city rally for UN Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People
Earlier this week, the Irish trio's "hugely exciting" performance at the Octagon Centre bought a display of their music, politics and culture to Sheffield.
The group, Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, have become notorious for their anti-establishment and pro-Palestinian views and controversial methods of activism.
The concert in Sheffield saw examples of their outrageous demonstrations for example the group's chant, "Maggie's in a box, in a box, Maggie's in a box."
Earlier this year member Mo Chara, full name Liam Óg Óh Annaidh, faced terrorism charges although these were thrown out on the basis that the charge was not brought about in the six-month time limit.
Fans waiting to see Kneecap perform commented on the way that they advocate.
Georgia Jones, 18, said: "Obviously the way they go about it, you either love it or you hate it but I think the message that is getting spread, it needs to be spread."
Another, Emily Browne, 18, said: "You don't think about Kneecap and their politics. I think about Kneecap and their music."
The concert comes to Sheffield just days before the Sheffield City Council will be flying the Palestinian flag for the first time, on Saturday 29 November for the UN Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People.
One activist, Shimshun, 56, came to promote the rally happening in Tudor Square on the Saturday at 11.30am.
In regards to the performance he said: "It's a fantastic bit of theatre as well as great punk music and fantastic to see people revitalising a language that often gets written off."
Along with other activism the group are passionate about their roots and revitalising the Irish Gaelic language through their rap, for example song 'C.E.A.R.T.A' in English meaning 'R.I.G.H.T' about youth rebellion and identity struggles in Ireland.
Kneecap's politics are at the forefront for the group's fans, so it comes as no surprise that the performance presents a chance for local activism to advocate their cause.
Shimshun said: "Sheffield City Council after a lot of lobbying has decided to raise the Palestinian flag and show that in this city this is a city of refugees, a city of sanctuary and Palestinian people especially are welcome here."
Sheffield charity to donate football boots to under-privileged youth
A charity project has been launched in Sheffield to donate outgrown football boots to underprivileged children.
Niven Padgett was inspired to launch 'Football boots for Sheffield youth' after coming across children who could not afford appropriate PE equipment.
During a cost of living crisis, many families are struggling to keep up with household bills, meaning that providing expensive sports equipment can often be a bridge too far.
Mr Padgett acknowledged this, saying that for families: “A new pair of football boots once or twice a year comes fairly low down in the pecking order.”
He explained the project would work through schools to identify children most in need.
A child would be given a pair when: “A teacher has identified that a student is missing boots, and is not going to be able to get a pair.”
The football boots will be presented as if they are new, in cardboard boxes with paper tissue inside, along with a note from the sender.
Mr Padgett calls this a holistic approach where “the person who gave the boots knows they can be handed on and someone is grateful for them.”
The project was launched with the support of Rotary Sheffield, and an appeal was put out on three local Facebook pages to find people willing to donate unused football boots to those who need it.
So far, 12 pairs of shoes have been delivered within a week, with another 30 people agreeing to bring one or more pairs.
Faith Salih, who donated her son Nathaniel's boots to the project said: "Niven's project is a great idea. I hate to think of kids who want to play football not being able to."
The boots included a note from Nathaniel saying "I hope they can be enjoyed by someone else."
The project is gaining momentum and Mr Padgett hopes he will have enough boots to start donating them by the end of next week.
The Facebook page was launched last Thursday and it now has nearly 100 followers.
Worsbrough Bridge looking to extend unbeaten run
Three goals were enough to see a Northern Counties East League Division One side sail past a league-above opposition for their 11th game without a loss.
Worsbrough Bridge showed intent from quite literally the first minute after Lloyd Smith put them one up over Wombwell Town before 60 seconds.
The Briggers scored again through Juninho Blake just before half-time, before Smith grabbed his second with eight minutes to go.
Mark Booth, the chairman of Worsbrough Bridge saw on the night just how well his team played.
Mr Booth said: "It showed just how strong and competitive the squad is, every player in the squad is capable of putting in a performance that is a match for most teams."
Going 11 games unbeaten is no mean feat, and the team from S70 have worked hard throughout the season to keep this impressive streak going.
As chairman, it is Mr Booth's job to make sure the team has everything they need to perform at such a high standard, and when the fruits of his labour pay off, it is a sight to see.
The team is determined to not let this form slip away, and Mr Booth can see this attitude among his players.
He said: "It is a fantastic achievement and this group is so hungry for more."
The Brigger's determination was spurred on after Wombwell were down to 10 men just 20 minutes in after Jack Dando caught the back of Keelan Grist's neck with a horrific high boot.
Worsbrough Bridge's next game comes against mid-table Louth Town, who sit 24 points behind the Briggers with almost half the season played.
In non-league football anything can happen, and no team should be underestimated.
Mr Booth knows that the opposition could possibly cause an upset, and the team will have to be on top to get another result.
He said: "Any team on any day is capable of winning in this league so we have to prepare well, show the right attitude and do the right things on the day."
With half the season still to be played, Worsbrough Bridge sit third in the table, and are well within a chance of a promotion push.
The team will have to continue this fine run, with Mr Booth reminding the team that "there will be ups and downs along the way, we just need to stay united, stick together and keep taking every game as it comes".
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Today on Sheffield Wire
Good morning and welcome to today’s Sheffield Wire news coverage on Friday 28 November 2025.
Our top stories today include:
- The council is borrowing £57 million to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Reporter Eve Hutchinson interviewed the public in Doncaster to get their opinions.
- An interview with Andy Nicholson, the original bassist of the Artic Monkeys, following his book launch featuring photos from his time with the band.
- The British figure skating championship is being held at iceSheffield this week. Reporter Max Carson will be on location today for the opening rounds.
England rugby coach Kevin Sinfield to run through Sheffield in his ultra marathon fundraiser
Rugby coach, Kevin Sinfield MBE will be running seven ultramarathons, in seven days, in seven different cities and regions to help raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) community.
Starting on Monday 1 December, the '7 in 7: Together' Challenge will be his sixth annual event, and his first time doing the challenge in Sheffield since 2021.
In his previous challenges, Sinfield has helped bring the community together and has raised a huge £10m for research and campaigning efforts to help find treatment and a cure for MND.
He will be in Sheffield on Thursday 4 December having chosen this location to highlight the work being done here to find treatment for MND and show support for the MND community in the region.
Starting at Bramall Lane, Sinfield will stop off at Abbeydale Sports Centre, Sheffield Tigers, Champs, the English Institute of Sports, Herries Road and The Wave at the University of Sheffield all before finishing at the Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN).
His final stop, SITraN has been the beneficiary of Sinfield's previous challenges and he said he was looking forward to coming back to Sheffield, "to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of the researchers there and the work they are doing."
SITraN, and other organisations that receive money from these challenges, are working to make the lives of people with MND better as well as conducting vital research into the condition.
Sinfield highlighted the message that together, with all these fundraising efforts, treatment will be created for MND and, "we will find a cure."
Sinfield and his team made it clear that these locations have been chosen for a reason and so that nobody in the MND community feels overlooked or alone.
He said: "We want to show them that people right across the UK and Ireland are passionate about the MND community and the best way to show that is by turning up ourselves."
Sinfield mentioned several times the emotional weight that this challenge has after the loss of his friend and fellow rugby player Rob Burrow last year.
He said that as well as pushing himself for the whole MND community he was also just "running for a mate" and that he expects that Burrow will no doubt be with him in spirit, spurring him on.
Sinfield encouraged people to come out and support the fundraiser in any way they could, even in the cold, wet and windy December weather as he prepared to tackle the hilly roads of Sheffield for such an important cause.
You can donate £10 by texting 'KEVIN10' to 70143.
MA Broadcast Final JUS News Programme (16 May 2025)
Join Cassidy Chan and Millie Park to deliver you the University of Sheffield MA Broadcast Final JUS News Programme (16 May 2025)
...and a very special surprise for Colin Sykes