National News

Hundreds attend People’s Vote rally

Hundreds of people attended a People’s Vote rally at Sheffield’s Victoria Hall, Norfolk Street, to demand a second referendum on whether Britain should leave the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May has ruled out another referendum as MPs debate government proposals for Brexit. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Train commuters face price hike as they return to work

Rail travellers returning to work after the festive holidays have faced a blow as train fares have increased by an average of 3.1 per cent in England and Wales. Campaigners calling for the railway services to be re-nationalised gathered at Sheffield station to greet commuters with leaflets about the change. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Safety fears for Channel migrants

A Sheffield-based migration rights group is calling on the government to assure safe passage for refugees and asylum seekers crossing the Channel to enter the UK. Stuart Crossthwaite, of the South Yorkshire Migration and Asylum Action Group, said the government should provide a “safe and legal route to allow people to exercise their rights to claim asylum”. The comments came as Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced two additional UK Border Force boats will be deployed to patrol the Channel. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield fans disappointment after Croatia defeat

Thousands of football fans gathered at Devonshire Green on Wednesday night to watch England go down 2-1 to Croatia in the World Cup semi-final. The match was shown on a giant screen open to the public. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh asked fans for their reaction after the final whistle.

Record year for Dearne Valley bitterns

The Old Moor wetlands nature reserve in Dearne Valley has reported a record breeding season for one of Britain’s rarest and most elusive breeding birds, the bittern, with three active nests and eleven chicks recorded. The RSPB reserve has been developed as a wetlands habitat over the last fifteen years in a location that was once a post-mining wasteland. Bitterns first nested at the reserve in 2010. Steve Buckley, for Sheffield Live!, spoke to visitor experience manager Danielle Meyer.

Grenfell memorial held at Sheffield Town Hall

A memorial gathering has been held outside Sheffield Town Hall to remember the 72 who died as a result of the Grenfell fire in London one year ago. Earlier councillor Jim Steinke, cabinet member for housing, and Nether Edge and Sharrow councillor Michelle Cook, spoke to Sheffield Live! about local authority action to improve fire safety in Sheffield’s tower blocks. Baillor Jalloh reports.

Sheffield Doc/Fest calls it a wrap

Sheffield’s International Documentary Film Festival has drawn to a close with thousands of festival goers enjoying the week of events, industry talks, exhibitions and films including several UK premieres. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Doc/Fest director Liz McIntyre.

World Autism Awareness Week celebrations

World Autism Awareness Week is seven days in which the public are encouraged to take part in activities across the country to raise awareness about autism. Schools, organisations and individuals are encouraged to to hold events across the country to talk about autism and to raise funds. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Grace Parry about living with autism.