Sonia Kumar
MP for Dudley · Labour · United Kingdom
“The police funding formula disadvantages towns such as Dudley. We know that visible policing in town centres is essential when rebuilding public trust. Does my right hon.”
House of Commons26 October 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Adam Bradley and James Bragg have opened the Forge youth centre in Dudley town centre, investing their own money, backed by the Government’s Pride in Place funding. That fantastic facility will help young people build skills, gain work and form lifelong relationships.”
House of Commons22 October 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“I wholeheartedly support the Government’s ambition to buy British, and there should be no difference in defence. I take this opportunity to thank the Minister for his defence roundtable being held in Dudley later this year. Can my hon.”
House of Commons19 October 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“The month, the historic UNESCO Wren’s Nest celebrates 70 years. Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking the Friends of Wren’s Nest, such as Paul Floyd, geologist Graham Worton and others who ensure that the 420-million-year-old treasures are protected for the next generation?”
House of Commons15 October 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“This summer, extreme heat was responsible for thousands of excess deaths across the United Kingdom. Though I commend the Department’s mission to tackle climate change and the root causes of extreme heat, does the Minister recognise that we must go faster and further in adapting and supporting households, especially vulnerable ones, with r…”
House of Commons13 October 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“GMB union members at Glen Dimplex in my constituency have been on strike for five weeks over proposed workload changes. This week, after showing remarkable grit, they secured a return to the status quo while negotiations continue.”
House of Commons16 July 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
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“Through the work of the all-party parliamentary group on osteoporosis and bone health, which I chair, I heard from patients whose stories are not easily forgotten. A woman in her early sixties fractured her wrist after a minor fall. She was treated and discharged, but no one joined the dots. Within two years, she had suffered multiple further fractures, including to her spine. She now lives with constant pain from repeated spinal fractures, affecting everything from how she breathes to how she moves. I think of those who never recover their independence —of people who go into hospital with a hip fracture and never come home. For many, that fracture marks the beginning of the end, with over a quarter dying within one year. What unites these stories is not bad luck, and they are not isolated tragedies.”
House of Commons22 April 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“At any given time, around 7% of NHS beds are occupied by patients with fragility fractures, many of them because early warning signs were missed and opportunities to intervene were lost. Behind those figures are lives changed in an instant. It is not just older people. One young woman told me: “I thought my bones were something I wouldn’t have to think about until I was much older”, only to find herself dealing with low bone density in her twenties after medical treatment. Some risk factors for osteoporosis include smoking, alcohol misuse, previous fragility fractures, low body mass index and long-term steroid use. Every single one of those factors needs to be looked after. We cannot look at osteoporosis as a one-condition problem; we must look at the whole lifestyle.”
House of Commons22 April 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“If someone says physio, I am always going to say, “Yes, yes, yes,” behind them. I agree with my hon. Friend that we should roll out physiotherapists and the multidisciplinary teams required to help those with osteoporosis. I also thank her for highlighting the importance of taking bone-sparing medication. Many people in the UK do not take it because they do not understand its importance. More than 3.2 million people in England now live with osteoporosis, including just over 2.5 million women. One in two women over 50 will suffer a fracture caused by osteoporosis, as will one in five men. In terms of years lost to premature mortality and disability, those fractures are the fourth most consequential medical condition in the country.”
House of Commons22 April 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“In 2022, my constituent Masi Sibanda dropped her 14-month-old son Noah off at nursery, like any other day. Tragically, it would be the last time Masi would see her son alive. A staff member at the Fairytales nursery tried to get him to sleep. When Noah resisted, she covered his face with a thick blanket and used her leg to pin him down. The pressure applied to his tiny body was so extreme that it ruptured his colon. No parent should have to endure such unimaginable loss. The sentencing has taken place. Will the PM meet Masi to discuss how we can ensure that tragedies like this never happen again?”
House of Commons22 April 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Youth centres such as High Oak in Dudley, run by Angela Edwards, are finding it harder each year to stay open because of insecure funding, despite Dudley having some of the highest levels of young people not in education, employment or training. More youth centres and more secure long-term funding are desperately needed. What support can my right hon. Friend provide to these youth centres to ensure that the youth of today and of the future are supported?”
House of Commons16 April 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“I warmly welcome the women’s health strategy. I recently visited the Navigating Our Womanhood Together bus in Dudley, which supports women’s health from menstruation to menopause, and I look forward to more such initiatives being delivered as part of the strategy in my constituency. Will the Minister set out how the strategy will harness allied health professionals, including specialist physiotherapists, to support pelvic health, such as incontinence, prolapse and post-natal care?”
House of Commons16 April 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“The Pride in Place funding in Dudley is being divided between two constituencies, risking the dilution of its impact. Given the high levels of deprivation among many of my constituents, what steps will my right hon. Friend take to ensure that communities in Dudley fully feel the transformational benefits of the investment and see tangible improvements? Will he meet me to discuss how we can crowd in funding?”
House of Commons13 April 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement and commend his leadership in steering the UK clear of the Iran conflict and blockade. During this war, healthcare centres, hospitals and ambulances have been attacked. The Iranians now face acute shortages of care and medicines. What action is the Prime Minister taking to press all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and end the attack on healthcare infrastructure?”
House of Commons13 April 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“For far too long, communities across the Black Country have had to put up with poor transport links. That is why the long-awaited opening of the metro station later this year is such welcome news for people and businesses in Dudley, even after delays. This key investment will help bring visitors to Dudley High Street and drive the renewal of our town centre, but our area desires one more project. What further investment will the Department for Transport commit to bringing to Dudley? Will the Secretary of State commit to attending the opening of the metro? I am happy to treat her to some orange chips from Dudley.”
House of Commons26 March 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“I had the pleasure of visiting the newly opened Pens Meadow SEND school in Dudley. That fantastic and long-awaited school has transformed opportunities for local children, families and staff, and stands as a testament to the vision of the headteacher, Marie Hunter. Will the Leader of the House join me in welcoming the school and thanking Marie and her team, and will he grant time for a debate on improving SEND provision in the Black Country?”
House of Commons26 March 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Given that around one in five households in Dudley are in fuel poverty and that electricity levies fall disproportionately on low-income families, I welcome the Chancellor’s decision to remove some social and environmental levies from electricity bills. That has helped to shield some of my constituents from the impact of the war in the middle east. Does my right hon. Friend agree that rebalancing these levies can both support households and accelerate cleaner heating?”
House of Commons24 March 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Russia’s continued assault on Ukraine has devastated its healthcare system: hospitals are under extreme pressure and there is a critical shortage of specialist staff to treat the injured. That is why I, along with other British physiotherapists, travelled to Ukraine to train clinicians who are working under unimaginable strain. Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking Tanisha Sandhu, Daniel Simm, Kay Joe and Anju Jaggi for their remarkable work? Will he commit to expanding UK-Ukraine clinical training partnerships?”
House of Commons11 March 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Traders like Sukibinder Singh, who owns Little Italy in Dudley, tell me how low footfall, empty shops and shoplifting are putting people off coming to the town centre. Will my hon. Friend set out what action he is taking on business rates and targeted reliefs to help bricks-and-mortar businesses to compete and prosper?”
House of Commons10 March 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“15. Whether his Department has issued guidance to the Department of Health and Social Care on the procurement of secure IT systems infrastructure from British businesses.”
House of Commons5 March 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“We have seen the devasting impact of cyber-attacks on British companies and the NHS, and there are serious concerns about the NHS data being entrusted to external firms such as Palantir. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to ensure that new NHS IT systems are secure, ethically governed, protect patient data and public trust, and are British where possible?”
House of Commons5 March 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“This year Teddy Grays in Dudley celebrates 200 years in business, with five generations of the same family keeping that local sweetshop and mainstay in Dudley. However, as with many small businesses, energy bills are a constant threat to its success. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that Teddy Grays can enjoy another 200 years of sweet success, and will he meet me to discuss this further?”
House of Commons10 February 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“What action is my right hon. Friend taking to disrupt the finances of the organised crime groups facilitating illegal migration to the United Kingdom, and what steps is her Department taking with international partners to prosecute those who are funding those operations, both domestically and internationally?”
House of Commons9 February 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Paige, my constituent, a survivor of human trafficking as a 24-year-old, was betrayed not only by her abusers but by the very systems that were meant to protect her. When she reached crisis point and attempted to take her life, she was denied continuous medical and healthcare support, while her advocate was excluded from multi-agency meetings. Will the Solicitor General set out what steps are being taken to increase prosecutions for human trafficking and ensure that victims such as Paige receive consistent therapeutic and legal support, from initial disclosure through to the aftercare that follows court proceedings?”
House of Commons5 February 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Following local closures, residents in the north of Dudley currently have no accessible household waste site, forcing them to make lengthy and costly journeys to the only remaining sites in Stourbridge, which is leading to fly-tipping across the borough. Will my right hon. Friend join me in urging the Conservative council to reinstate Anchor Lane accessible waste disposal services in the north of the borough, and will he agree to a debate on this matter?”
House of Commons5 February 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“The situation in Sudan is deplorable. Sadly, as is too common, women and girls are being terrorised and rape is being used as a weapon of war. The United Nations has reported that, horrifically, infants as young as a year old are being raped. This is hell on earth. The Secretary of State has mentioned that she is working with our African partners. Can she discuss what healthcare support will be provided to women and girls, from medical aid to paediatric care for children born from rape?”
House of Commons5 February 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“I thank my right hon. Friend for his work on the Business and Trade Committee, of which I am a proud member. Does he agree that an increasingly competitive and uncertain world defines the UK’s sovereign capabilities, and that supporting them through the national wealth fund is vital to strengthening our industrial resilience and securing our supply chains—including critical minerals—to protect the British economy?”
House of Commons5 February 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Many injured service personnel face prolonged recovery journeys, and access to specialist rehabilitation is crucial. How is the Department expanding the role of allied health professionals in the Defence Medical Services to strengthen rehabilitation and provide joined-up care from injury to recovery?”
House of Commons2 February 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Over 900 doctors have been killed by the Iranian regime since 1979. A leading medical union warns that Iran’s state health system is near collapse and medicines are increasingly scarce, leaving children vulnerable for lack of basic care. Does my right hon. Friend agree that urgent international action is needed to hold the regime to account, particularly for the devastating impact on paediatric care?”
House of Commons20 January 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Leading doctors have warned that social media has become a public health emergency that casts long shadows over our children’s minds. From self-harm to sleepless nights, distorted self-images and sexualised images, and the addictive nature of social media, the damage runs deep. Does my right hon. Friend agree that protecting young people’s wellbeing must come before digital profit and convenience? Will she commission research into the long-term side effects of social media, including on cognitive and motor development, in order to shape policy not just now but in 10 years’ time?”
House of Commons20 January 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Section 21 in chapter 8 of the Greenland Self-Government Act 2009 states that decisions “regarding Greenland’s independence shall be taken by the people of Greenland.” Therefore, no external coercion should be applied to Greenland’s people. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking with our European allies to ensure that that Act is respected and that no major power can pressure the Greenlanders over their constitutional status?”
House of Commons19 January 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“A constituent of mine who attends Dudley Voices for Choice has autism with complex mental health needs and is at risk of self-harm. Despite not being able to use a telephone, they are still required by mental health services to do so, and therefore they cannot be treated. They were told that they are non-compliant, so their support was reduced. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that mental health services offer alternative ways to communicate for those who cannot use a telephone? I would like to thank Sarah Offley and the team at Dudley Voices for Choice.”
House of Commons13 January 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Given the mass protests, blackouts, social media censorship and the estimated death toll of 2,000 civilian in Iran, will my right hon. Friend set out what co-ordinated diplomatic response she is pursuing with the US and middle east allies, and what contingency plans there are should a dangerous power vacuum develop?”
House of Commons13 January 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“11. If he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of establishing a statutory national register of electricians.”
House of Commons12 January 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“I thank the Minister for her response. Gas installers must legally register under a Health and Safety Executive-owned scheme, yet electricians, despite near-zero part P enforcement and around 20,000 electrical fires a year, remain governed by voluntary clubs. The October 2026 rule changes will address qualifications, but not enforcement. Does my hon. Friend agree that there must be legal protections for electricians, just as there are for gas installers, to safeguard residents?”
House of Commons12 January 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“As temperatures have plummeted across the country this week, road conditions have deteriorated. Sadly, the Conservative council in Dudley removed 500 grit bins before the winter, creating dangerous conditions for all and making day-to-day errands simply impossible. Will my hon. Friend work with me to hold Dudley council to account and ensure that Dudley’s roads are safe all year round?”
House of Commons8 January 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“In towns such as Dudley, bus routes are the lifeblood of the community. That is why I was disappointed when part of the 215 bus service serving Sledmere was going to be scrapped and residents were, rightly, upset. I am delighted that that decision has been overturned after lobbying Transport for West Midlands and I thank it for its change of direction. Will my right hon. Friend welcome that reinstatement and grant time for a debate on the importance of protecting bus routes where other forms of transport are not available?”
House of Commons8 January 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“T6. I am proud that Dudley is home to Brockmoor Energy and Environment Scheme, the first to be funded under the net zero neighbourhood programme by Richard Parker, the West Midlands Mayor. Will the Minister set out what further measures he is taking to improve energy efficiency, retrofit homes and upgrade energy infrastructure in Dudley, and whether he agrees that the scheme should be expanded?”
House of Commons6 January 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“Article 2.4 of the United Nations charter states: “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state”. Does the Secretary of State agree that, even when a President lacks democratic legitimacy, any peaceful transition in Venezuela must be in the hands of its people and not dictated by foreign Governments, who must follow international law?”
House of Commons5 January 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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?”
House of Commons5 January 2026Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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?”
House of Commons16 December 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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?”
House of Commons15 December 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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?”
House of Commons8 December 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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?”
House of Commons8 December 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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?”
House of Commons2 December 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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?”
House of Commons1 December 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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?”
House of Commons27 November 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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?”
House of Commons25 November 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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.]”
House of Commons18 November 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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).”
House of Commons18 November 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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.”
House of Commons18 November 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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.”
House of Commons18 November 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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.”
House of Commons18 November 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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.”
House of Commons18 November 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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.”
House of Commons18 November 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗
“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.”
House of Commons18 November 2025Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗