Sonia Kumar MP: speeches

Speeches

• 5 Jan 2026 · Middle East and North Africa · Hansard source

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  I welcome the Palestinian embassy, but with the crisis in Gaza still acute, the Israeli Government’s decision to strip NGOs of accreditation is unconscionable and puts vulnerable families at even greater risk. I welcome the steps taken to bring injured Gazan children here for treatment, but many are just too unwell to travel. What additional steps, whether through field hospitals, specialist equipment or teams and medicines, will the Minister take for children still in Gaza who are unable or not stable enough to travel to receive specialist treatment?

• 16 Dec 2025 · Planning Reform · Hansard source

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  I thank the Minister and his Department for confirming yesterday that Dudley has successfully cleared the first stage of Pride in Place assessment—the first step to unlocking £20 million over the next decade. Will he outline how the new planning reforms, Pride in Place funding and greater community powers will revitalise Dudley town centre, and can he confirm that any new infrastructure will use local materials from local businesses, such as Dreadnought Tiles, to boost the local economy?

• 15 Dec 2025 · Violence against Women and Girls Strategy · Hansard source

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  Tackling violence against women and girls demands that victims be at the heart of decisions, and robust action. I look forward to the publication of the strategy. Does the Minister agree that locally commissioned domestic abuse services should have statutory representation and multi-agency risk assessment conference boards, backed by dedicated funding to strengthen support, improve safeguarding and deliver better criminal justice outcomes?

• 8 Dec 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  T9. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss the role that allied health professionals, such as physios, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and others, can play in helping NEETs to overcome barriers and secure meaningful and lasting work?

• 8 Dec 2025 · Unemployment Levels · Hansard source

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  I welcome the Government’s £820 million investment to help young people into work. In Dudley, one in five school leavers—the highest proportion in the country—are not in education, employment or training. Will the Minister guarantee that this funding prioritises areas with the greatest need, including Dudley? Will she commit to visiting my constituency?

• 2 Dec 2025 · Ukraine · Hansard source

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  As we await the outcome of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, which must be rooted in the voices and needs of the Ukrainian people, access to healthcare is essential to rebuilding the nation. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure UK-backed reconstruction strengthens rehabilitation and healthcare infrastructure, and will she meet me to support my efforts to link allied health professionals in Ukraine?

• 1 Dec 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  Red Hall primary school in Lower Gornal is sited on either side of a busy road, connected by a zebra crossing. Children are put at risk each day as they cross between the sites, as there is no patrolling and frequent unsafe driving. I have urged the council to act. What work is my right hon. Friend doing with the Secretary of State for Transport to ensure adequate funding and support for road safety?

• 27 Nov 2025 · House of Commons Domestic Abuse Policy · Hansard source

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  3. Whether the Commission is taking steps to create a domestic abuse policy for the House of Commons.

• 27 Nov 2025 · House of Commons Domestic Abuse Policy · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for his response. In the past year, nearly 4 million people in the UK have been victims of some sort of domestic violence. This is a national crisis. In light of that, will my hon. Friend and the Commission he serves consider taking steps to improve the messaging for MPs’ staff around domestic violence and abuse, and share details of available training? Will he agree to encourage MPs to endorse the new House of Commons policy on domestic abuse in full, which I have been helping to shape with House staff?

• 25 Nov 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  I have seen at first hand how severe musculoskeletal conditions such as lower back pain can devastate someone’s ability to work, have relationships and sleep, as well as their overall wellbeing. The education of more than 1 million children is disrupted by MSK conditions due to missed schooling and fragmented, hard-to-navigate services. Will the Minister therefore prioritise MSK conditions in phase 2 of the modern service framework and confirm when that will be published?

• 18 Nov 2025 · Access to Finance for Women in Business · Hansard source

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  The Bill seeks to confront one of the most urgent and entrenched inequalities in our economy: the persistent barriers that women in business continue to face. Despite the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation demonstrated by women across the United Kingdom, they remain significantly under-represented among recipients of capital and public financial support. The evidence is stark. In 2024, just 2% of UK equity investment went to female entrepreneurs—a decline on the previous year. Over 80% of venture capital funding is allocated to male-dominated businesses, despite research confirming that women-led businesses deliver, on average, a 35% better return on investment. However, women typically start businesses with 53% less capital than men do, and the loans they receive are, on average, 68% smaller. Approval rates for funding are lower for women, and too often they must pitch to all-male investment panels. Evidence from early-stage equity markets shows that male investors express less interest in female founders, whereas female investors are more likely to back them. For black female entrepreneurs, the challenge is even greater: between 2009 and 2019, a mere 0.02% of venture capital funding went to black women. This is not just a disparity issue; it is an economic one. The 2019 Rose review estimated that £250 billion could be unlocked for the UK economy if women were supported to start and scale businesses at the same rate as men. Adjusted for inflation, the figure now stands at a staggering £310 billion. That is the scale of the opportunity we are failing to unlock. Even in challenging economic circumstances, women in my constituency of Dudley continue to lead the way, against the odds. For example, Iron & Velvet, the UK’s only manufacturer of eco-friendly, water-soluble cleaning sachets, is headed by a truly inspirational woman. Debra McDonald, its chief executive officer, told me: “Investors frequently undervalue or question the ambition of female leaders.” According to the Black Country chamber of commerce, just 20% of member companies are led by women, and such businesses are even rarer outside London. We cannot allow this to persist. The injustice goes beyond numbers; it holds back potential in every community, from the west midlands to every region of our country. I welcome the Government’s recent commitment of £400 million to support under-represented fund managers, and the doubling of their investment in female-led venture capital funds to £100 million through the Invest in Women taskforce. Compared with our international peers, though, the UK is simply losing ground. The United States of America stands out globally as the leading country for women-led businesses in 2025. Over the past two decades, female-owned businesses in the US have grown dramatically, with a 100% increase. Between 2019 and 2023, these businesses contributed a whopping 1.4 million new jobs and generated $500 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, Sweden and Poland are surpassing the UK, with more targeted strategies to improve women’s access to finance. In Sweden, 4.6% of all venture capital funding is now allocated to female-only founded businesses, outpacing the UK’s rate. Poland ranks first in the EU, and fifth worldwide, for female entrepreneurship. The progress in those countries is no coincidence; it reflects deliberate and sustained efforts to empower women in business. I have a vision for a country where prosperity has no barriers, and where every individual has the opportunity to fulfil their potential—a nation where access to finance is not a privilege but a right, and where women entrepreneurs, small business owners and innovators from every background can turn their ideas into action. This is about fairness, ambition and unlocking the full promise of our people, so that no one is held back simply because of who they are or where they come from. In this Bill, I propose three core measures, backed by experts, to begin dismantling the barriers. The first pillar mandates transparency and accountability within financial institutions. The British Business Bank would lead this transformation to ensure genuine equity in access to finance. Banks, venture capital firms and public funding bodies would be required to publish gender disaggregated lending data, review their practice on bias, and embed anti discrimination measures across every stage of investment and loan assessment. For too long, a lack of data has hidden the barriers for women entrepreneurship, and this measure brings the inequalities into the light. By exposing where decisions fall short of equity, institutions will be compelled to act—not out of obligation, but because inclusion strengthens our economy. The Bill would ensure that capital is allocated on potential and performance, not prejudice. As Becky Cotton, a pioneering woman in business and the co-founder of Lumino, told me: “Sunshine is the best disinfectant.” Secondly, the Bill would direct the British Business Bank and related Government-backed schemes to expand their outreach and set measurable targets. At least 30% of all finance provided should support female-led businesses, and the percentage of equity finance for female entrepreneurs must increase from 2% to 10% by 2030. This reflects a key recommendation from the Women and Equalities Committee’s groundbreaking report on female entrepreneurship. Thirdly, the Bill would require the Secretary of State to prepare and publish a report on access to finance. I have already laid out the inequality that exists in this area, but mandating the Secretary of State to produce a report is essential for transparency, accountability and progress. Without the clear reporting that this Bill is calling for, the scale of inequality will remain hidden. From that report, we can begin to develop other policies to unlock investment for women and other disadvantaged groups, finally bridging the gap between men and women in finance. This is not just a Bill for women; it is a Bill for our economy, our communities and our collective future. It recognises that fairness and prosperity go hand in hand, and it will remove the barriers to women’s economic participation. We will all benefit from increased innovation, job creation, stronger families and a more resilient society. This is a critical moment. Unlocking £310 billion of growth by investing in female-led businesses is not just the right thing to do; it is smart economics. Empowering women and women-led businesses is among the most effective investments we can make as a nation. This Bill is about the fixing the system, not fixing women. Question put and agreed to. Ordered, That Sonia Kumar, Liam Byrne, Sarah Edwards, John Cooper, Dan Aldridge, Gurinder Singh Josan, John Slinger, James Asser, Rachel Taylor, Matt Western and Ms Polly Billington present the Bill. Sonia Kumar accordingly presented the Bill. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 28 November, and to be printed (Bill 330).

• 18 Nov 2025 · Access to Finance for Women in Business · Hansard source

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  I beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require the Secretary of State to prepare and publish a report on access to finance for women in business; to make provision about the publication of data relating to access to finance for women in business; and for connected purposes. The Bill seeks to confront— [Interruption.]

• 17 Nov 2025 · Asylum Policy · Hansard source

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  What measures is the Home Secretary taking to dismantle the criminal gangs that are exploiting both legitimate and illegitimate businesses to facilitate illegal channel crossings? Can she give us details of the regulatory action that is being taken to prevent the use of assets such as shops on our high streets, and to prevent the supply of life jackets, boats and other components needed for dangerous crossings by illegal immigrants and criminal gangs?

• 13 Nov 2025 · Police Reform · Hansard source

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  I welcome the Labour Government’s progress on policing, including Dudley town centre’s new police station, which will open this year, and the new police officers being redeployed to Dudley borough in April. Given the urgent need for police reform, will the Minister go one step further and commit to reviewing the west midlands’ outdated funding formula, which does not align with local crime and deprivation levels?

• 13 Nov 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  T8. What support can the Minister offer the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust, which seeks to open up canal access to the hidden gem at Wren’s Nest, which is part of the UNESCO geopark? That would help boost sustainable tourism, give access to residents, and highlight the site’s international geological significance.

• 5 Nov 2025 · Curriculum and Assessment Review · Hansard source

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  I warmly welcome the statement. With improved medical care, earlier diagnosis and greater awareness, more children with special educational needs are being identified. How will my right hon. Friend ensure that schools have the right environment, staff, funding and resources for SEND children to get the most of the positive changes in the curriculum?

• 3 Nov 2025 · Defence Procurement: SMEs · Hansard source

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  In Dudley, we have the Pensnett estate, one of the largest industrial estates in Europe. It is home to nearly 200 businesses, including a variety of SMEs, ranging from plumbing to steelworks. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that SMEs in Dudley have the time and the space to bid for contracts? Will the Minister agree to hold a roundtable on defence on the Pensnett estate?

• 3 Nov 2025 · Defence Procurement: SMEs · Hansard source

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  3. What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of direct procurement from defence SMEs in the west midlands.

• 30 Oct 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  As we approach Remembrance Sunday, we honour those who gave their lives for our freedom, and remember the often overlooked women who served as codebreakers and factory workers, and in countless vital roles. In light of that, I have written to Dudley council asking it to permanently install the first ever women of war silhouette, funded by the Sedgley townswomen’s guild. I thank its members for their dedication. Will the Leader of the House join me in remembering the thousands of women who served, and continue to serve, and will he make time for a debate about their contribution?

• 30 Oct 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  What steps is the Department taking to improve access to finance for UK start-ups seeking to scale up, given that only 1% of UK start-ups raise equity of more than £100 million? By comparison, in the US, 6% of start-ups do so. Furthermore, how can we ensure that women get a fair share of access to finance?

• 23 Oct 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I recently returned from Kyiv, where I visited a rehabilitation centre supporting those injured by the Russian invasion. I was deeply moved by the dedication of the Ukrainian clinicians working under immense pressure. As a physiotherapist, I recognise the vital role that allied health professionals play in recovery. It was Allied Health Professions Day last week, and I would like to thank all the dedicated clinicians for the unconditional service they provide every single day. Will the Leader of the House agree to a debate on the importance of healthcare professionals collaborating internationally to help Ukrainians and the UK?

• 16 Oct 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  After months of campaigning, public meetings, presenting a petition, sending letters, meeting Ministers, holding a day of action outside Ladies Walk and scrutinising Dudley council, I am delighted that the Ladies Walk Centre in Sedgley, a vital community hub providing NHS and library services, will remain open. This is a victory for local residents, who rightly oppose Dudley council’s near-closure of the site despite its chance to renegotiate the lease five years ago. Will the Leader of the House welcome this news and grant a debate on local government transparency?

• 15 Oct 2025 · Privatisation of Sycamore Adventure Centre · Hansard source

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  Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for calling me to present a petition this evening on behalf of the constituents of Dudley. Despite the Conservative council pledging funding in a public question and answer session in April, the Sycamore Adventure Centre is due to be privatised, with a risk of a hike in entrance fees. The centre must remain solely controlled by Dudley council. The petition “declares that Sycamore Adventure Centre has served as a vital, safe and inclusive community space for children, young people…in the area; that for decades, it has been more than just a play site—it has fostered community cohesion, supported children’s physical and mental health, and given young people a place to explore, learn, and grow…The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to stop the privatisation of Sycamore Adventure Centre, guarantee that access to the centre remains open and free (or affordable) to all families, preserve the current number of play sessions and hours of operation, and work with local residents, staff, and young people to protect and enhance the centre as a valued community resource. And the petitioners remain, etc.” Following is the full text of the petition: [ The petition of residents of the constituency of Dudley. Declares that Sycamore Adventure Centre has served as a vital, safe, and inclusive community space for children, young people, and families in the area; that for decades, it has been more than just a play site — it has fostered community cohesion, supported children’s physical and mental health, and given young people a place to explore, learn, and grow; that the petitioners call for an immediate halt to the proposed privatisation of Sycamore Adventure Centre, which would reduce accessibility by introducing fees or limitations that restrict entry for families already facing financial hardship, cut down play opportunities and available hours, leaving children with fewer safe and constructive activities, undermine community ownership of a space that belongs to all of us, shifting its priority from public benefit to private profit; and that public recreational spaces like Sycamore Adventure Centre must remain publicly funded, publicly run, and accessible to all. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to stop the privatisation of Sycamore Adventure Centre, guarantee that access to the centre remains open and free (or affordable) to all families, preserve the current number of play sessions and hours of operation, and work with local residents, staff, and young people to protect and enhance the centre as a valued community resource. And the petitioners remain, etc.] [P003117]

• 9 Sept 2025 · Jaguar Land Rover Cyber-attack · Hansard source

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  I warmly welcome the Minister to his place. In the light of the cyber-security breaches survey published in April 2025, which reported that 43% of businesses and 30% of charities experienced a cyber-attack last year, what steps is he taking to strengthen national cyber-security? How are the Government working with businesses and charities to improve prevention and ensure better intelligence-sharing, as a matter of national security?

• 4 Sept 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  The Sycamore adventure centre in Upper Gornal has been a lifeline for children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, for over 15 years. Yet despite pledging funding for it for five years in April in a public Q&A, the Conservative-led council is now forcing it to be privatised, with uncapped entry costs, reduced play areas and hours, and no proper consultation. Children face losing vital access to this centre. Does the Leader of the House share my outrage and will she grant time for a debate on protecting community assets?