← LEADERSHIP TERMINAL

UK PARLIAMENT · SITTING

Sonia Kumar

MP for Dudley · Labour · United Kingdom

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

“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 ↗

The complete record

320 held · 313 searchable for Sonia Kumar. The searchable lines are below in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 6 of 7.

This is not an official version of UK Parliament proceedings. It reproduces the published record and links to it; the official version is the one UK Parliament publishes.

  1. “With first-contact practitioners, we can save so many GP appointments. It is part of the long-term plan, which has been created to improve the impact on GP care and allied health professions that work in general practice. Working adults with MSK conditions are twice as likely to be economically inactive compared with those with long-term conditions. Of the people who are economically inactive due to ill health, 21% report having MSK conditions. It is about not just health but the economy and the wellbeing of the society that we are hopefully building together now that we are in government. It is really important that we look at this issue in a holistic way. MSK conditions affect not just affect somebody’s mental health but their relationships and how they build them.”

    House of Commons17 December 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  2. “By 2035, two thirds of the population are expected to have two or more long-term conditions, which include MSK conditions. Versus Arthritis reports: “Arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions affect 20.3 million people in the UK.” That means that one in six people has arthritis, which is a staggering amount. MSK conditions cost the NHS £5 billion a year, accounting for one in five GP appointments, 1.6 million hospital admissions and 30 million prescriptions a year. People with low confidence who feel that they cannot manage their conditions are more likely to attend hospital, while those who are most confident with long-term conditions have 38% fewer hospital admissions. That is what we can do for the economy, but this issue is also about first-contact practitioners, as I mentioned at the beginning.”

    House of Commons17 December 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  3. “Of course. One of the things MSK physiotherapists look at is spinal fractures, 70% of which happen in the thoracic spine, generally in older women who have had poor bone health. It is essential to look after bone health from a really early age, while women are in their 40s, so that when they are older, in their 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, they are on the right medication and doing bone health exercises to help for the future. For MSK conditions and osteoporosis, physiotherapists are essential. Spinal fractures are very often undiagnosed, and those who suffer spinal fractures as they get older are more likely then to have a hip fracture, after which the mortality rate becomes really high. My hon. Friend makes a very good point. Let me explain why MSK physiotherapists and MSK care are so important.”

    House of Commons17 December 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  4. “Given that Russells Hall in Dudley ranks on the local index in the top 2% of areas with the greatest need and that nearly half of working-age residents rely on benefits, will the Minister confirm what steps the Government will be taking to target places like mine that are doubly disadvantaged?”

    House of Commons28 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  5. “Under-representation of women, minorities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds remains a barrier to unlocking the country’s true economic and technological potential on the global stage. Making apprenticeships and T-levels more accessible will attract a broader range of talent, enriching the STEM workforce and fostering innovation. In conclusion, we must make apprenticeships and T-levels more accessible to attract a broader range of talent, particularly in STEM, and further promote their uptake to diverse audiences. By fostering partnerships between educational institutions such as Dudley Tech and industry, we can create a more skilled environment for all.”

    House of Commons20 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  6. “Apprenticeships and T-levels are vital to addressing those challenges and building a workforce equipped for careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. Institutions such as Dudley Tech play a key role in closing the gap, but we must focus on diversity in STEM. Women make up only 27% of STEM workers, but 52% of the country’s wider workforce. Meanwhile, only 12% of STEM workers, compared with 19% in the wider workforce, come from ethnic minority backgrounds. We will not see improvement unless we address this matter head on and break down barriers to apprenticeships and T-levels. Measures by the previous Government were ineffective, with females aged 16 to 29 making up only 29% of the STEM workforce—a mere 1% more than the generation before them.”

    House of Commons20 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  7. “Together they address shortages in key sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare and beauty, ensuring that students are job ready from day one. Dudley College of Technology in my constituency exemplifies excellence in this area. The college offers a wide range of T-levels across many disciplines, blending academic and practical learning. Its commitment to apprenticeships is equally impressive, with over 4,000 apprenticeships supported through strong partnerships with local businesses. Those collaborations ensure that training meets industry needs and contributes to regional economic growth. The STEM sector remains the heart of the industrial strategy but continues to face persistent skills shortages.”

    House of Commons20 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  8. “It is a pleasure and an honour to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Christopher. I thank the right hon. Member for East Hampshire (Damian Hinds) for securing this important debate on the pivotal role of apprenticeships and T-levels in our national industrial strategy. As we face a significant skills gap, particularly in science, technology, engineering and maths fields, those pathways are critical for equipping our workforce with the expertise needed to drive innovation and economic growth. T-levels and apprenticeships bridge the gap between education and the workplace, combining classroom learning and practical experience. T-levels provide substantial industrial placements, while apprenticeships enable individuals to earn while they gain real-world skills.”

    House of Commons20 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  9. “As the people of Dudley pay their respects to our veterans and service personnel of the past, it is only right that we ensure that the right quality of service is given to the armed forces of the present. The Bill, by creating the role of armed forces commissioner, provides us with a crucial opportunity to address those deep-seated issues. It is not just about improving conditions; it is also about fundamentally changing the culture within our armed forces. Our servicemen and women deserve nothing less than our respect, support and gratitude for all the support they have given us and the service they provide.”

    House of Commons18 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  10. “Will the commissioner have a role in overseeing the support provided to those who have served during their transition to civilian life to ensure that their welfare is not neglected? Our service personnel and their families continue to sacrifice in the name of our freedom, so it is only right that we provide them with the support and respect that they deserve. The weekend before last, I attended a memorial service in my constituency of Dudley. I was proud to see how many people turned out to pay their respects and thank the servicemen and women, past and present, who have given so much to our country. In particular, I thank the people of the Lower Gornal Royal British Legion and the many dedicated veterans and volunteers who dutifully maintain our heritage, including those of All Saints church in Sedgley.”

    House of Commons18 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  11. “While most service family accommodation is officially rated as “decent”, independent reviews highlight serious issues, with many families enduring poor repairs. Our armed forces deserve better. Addressing those issues is not a luxury but a necessity. It is simply unacceptable that in 2021 nearly 62% of female service personnel and veterans reported experiences of bullying, harassment, discrimination and, in rare cases, even worse. Those numbers speak for themselves, and our structures are not working. What measures will the Government use to evaluate the success of the armed forces commissioner in addressing welfare issues, and how will they ensure that personnel see tangible improvements in their day-to-day lives as a result?”

    House of Commons18 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  12. “With Armistice Day just one week behind us, and with respect and admiration for veterans, service personnel and their families still fresh in the public consciousness, it is only fitting that we speak about a Bill that will improve the quality of life in service and ensure that our military personnel receive the respect and support that they deserve. It is widely known that our armed forces face record levels of low morale and a crisis in recruitment and retention, with only four in 10 service members satisfied with a life in service—and who can blame them? In 2022, 163 service family accommodation homes were left without heating for over five days during the Christmas period, and only 27% of personnel were satisfied with maintenance responses.”

    House of Commons18 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  13. “The UK’s industrial strategy relies on closing the skills gap, but women and ethnic minorities remain significantly under-represented in science, technology, engineering and maths education and careers. Dudley College of Technology in my constituency is leading the way in providing technical skills and innovation training. Will the Leader of the House grant time for a debate on improving access and inclusion in STEM, to ensure that our workforce reflects the diversity we will need for our future economic success?”

    House of Commons14 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  14. “Through these investments, Dudley can become a central player in the UK’s journey to sustainable growth, bolstering our economy and creating high-paid jobs that attract talent. After years of stagnant growth, it is time to push forward with this Budget.”

    House of Commons4 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  15. “At the Dudley Group NHS foundation trust, nearly 50,000 people are waiting to start treatment, with only 57% of those patients seen within 18 weeks, compared with the NHS target of 92%. Those delays place a heavy burden on families and individuals alike. By investing in primary care, mental health services and essential technological upgrades, we are equipping the NHS to reduce waiting times and improve service delivery, which will not only improve individuals’ lives, but reinforce the workforce and productivity. Dudley College of Technology’s centre for advanced manufacturing and engineering technology is perfectly positioned to lead the way in bridging the skills gap. It will anchor the industrial strategy and train the next generation in high-skilled jobs, transforming Dudley into a hub where tradition meets innovation.”

    House of Commons4 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  16. “Every child deserves access to quality, tailored education, and this Budget will better equip schools and early years settings to deliver it. In Dudley, 14% of children and young people have SEND support, which is 2 percentage points higher than the average. The Government are investing £1 billion in SEND, which is crucial and a welcome step towards a more inclusive future for all children. SEND funding is not just investment in education; it is a foundation for a compassionate society where every child can thrive. This Budget is not just about education; it is about other public services too, including the NHS. Our NHS is the bedrock of community wellbeing, and additional funding is critical to address the increasing demand from an ageing population and the lasting effects of the pandemic.”

    House of Commons4 November 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  17. “By providing clear and adaptable guidelines, clause 1 provides an overview to the Bill that enables venues to enhance security in ways that suit their unique operational needs, promoting safer and more resilient public services across the UK.”

    House of Commons31 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  18. “Witnesses such as Matt Jukes, assistant commissioner for specialist operations in the Metropolitan police, said that “the proposed measures in the Bill…are proportionate, and highly likely to be effective.” –– [ Official Report, Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Public Bill Committee, 29 October 2024; c. 29.] Another witness, Keith Stevens, the chair of the National Association of Local Councils, talked about the village halls where many parish and town councils meet, and was pleased that the threshold has now been lifted to 200 because that is proportionate. Those and other witness statements demonstrate that the balance of measures in the Bill will help prevent small venues from becoming overburdened, aligned with the Government’s commitment to proportionality and public safety.”

    House of Commons31 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  19. “Clause 1 offers a comprehensive overview of the Bill’s structure, laying the foundations for essential protections across public venues. The Bill introduces a two-tier system, distinguishing between “standard duty” and “enhanced duty” premises, based on venue size. That tiered approach ensures that venues expecting 200 to 799 attendees may face manageable requirements, if needed, focusing on basic but effective protective measures that respect available resources. Meanwhile, venues expecting more than 800 attendees are subject to higher standards, proportionate to the risk.”

    House of Commons31 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  20. “That lack of access leaves parents with fewer options and waiting longer, forcing them to make tough decisions about work and family care. The Black Country early years education sector faces unique challenges, especially for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The YMCA reports that over a third of children in its Black Country settings—34%—need additional support. That is significantly higher than the 13% in the most affluent areas of the UK, yet there is a shortage of resources, SEND assessments and funding, which limits vital one-on-one and specialist care. Without those early interventions, many children risk falling behind, underscoring the need for more targeted support in our community.”

    House of Commons30 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  21. “Good affordable childcare supports parents in the workforce, boosts child development and helps build the foundation for a stronger society. As of June 2024, Dudley has 45 registered childcare providers offering about 1,126 places for children under eight. Despite those numbers, much of the Black Country, including Dudley, is classified as a childcare desert. Families in the Black Country have long supported each other through community efforts but now face a lack of critical childcare options, with only 17 places per 100 children in Dudley. Those figures fall far below the national average of 25 per 100. Can Members imagine if every time they needed childcare, three out of every four doors they tried were shut?”

    House of Commons30 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  22. “I beg to move, That this House has considered the quality and availability of childcare in the Black Country. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Twigg. It is an honour to introduce this debate. I want to talk about the importance of high-quality and accessible childcare in the Black Country, a region that is rich in history, resilience and community spirit. The Black Country, with areas such as Dudley at its heart, has always been a place where working families thrive, and where communities are built with hard work and strong values. For those families to thrive they need support, and childcare is a crucial part of the network for that. This is not just a family issue; it is also about children’s future in Dudley, our community strength and the local economy.”

    House of Commons30 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  23. “We need a childcare system that strengthens our communities, supports our economy and ensures that every child has the chance to succeed. Quality depends on not just childcare, but its accessibility for families—not only for those who can afford it, but for those who need it most. By investing in early years education, we are investing in a stronger and more resilient future for the Black Country and my constituency of Dudley. Let us work together to make quality childcare a reality for every family, giving each child the foundation that they need to thrive and each parent the support that they deserve.”

    House of Commons30 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  24. “As we look to the future, I urge the Minister to prioritise childcare reform and ensure that it matches local need. I have the following asks. How will the Government address the persistent childcare deserts in areas such as Dudley, where places fall below the average? With child poverty rising, what specific measures will the Government put in place to ensure that families in financial hardship can access childcare, especially in places such as Dudley? How will the Government support childcare providers who face inflation-driven costs that continue to rise and that are a burden on the provision of good-quality care? Will the Minister visit the constituency of Dudley to see what the childcare provisions are and the areas where improvement could be made?”

    House of Commons30 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  25. “Studies show that universal childcare brings more parents, especially mothers, into the workforce, generating tax revenues that can help to cover programme costs. The Centre for Progressive Policy estimates that inadequate childcare access costs the UK about 1% of GDP a year. Imagine the positive effect that this would have in places such as Dudley if more parents could work with affordable, reliable childcare in place. Research from Ofsted highlights the significant role that early years education plays in lifelong learning and development. Its “Best start in life” report outlines four critical areas—literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design—that provide young children with the foundation for academic and personal success.”

    House of Commons30 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  26. “With limited childcare options, many parents, particularly mothers, are forced to stay outside work, adding to family stresses and limiting the local economy. Labour pledges to offer free quality childcare for children aged two to four, which will help parents to manage costs and allow more people to return to work. I welcome Labour’s promise to open 300 more nurseries within the year and use empty school classrooms to meet the demand for more childcare spaces, which are very much needed in places such as Dudley and the Black Country. By covering up to 80% of childcare costs for qualifying families, Labour’s plan to offer meaningful relief for working parents will help to build a foundation of support for children in the future. Investing in early years education benefits not just families, but the entire economy.”

    House of Commons30 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  27. “Labour’s commitment to increase funding and expand access to vital services is essential for families that deserve and need them. Rising poverty and inequality make those childcare challenges even tougher. In Dudley, child poverty rose from 22% in 2014 to 32% in 2023, while, across the UK, the rate rose from 15% to 20% over the same period. For local families under financial pressures, finding affordable childcare is significantly challenging. Department for Education data from 2023 shows that although 72% of mothers are working, nearly half of non-working mothers say that they would work if they had access to convenient and affordable childcare. For families with children under four, that number rises to 54%.”

    House of Commons30 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  28. “I agree with the hon. Gentleman. Intervention is so necessary at early ages. If we catch children early, we can help their future development as they move from early years into schools, and if we help their development we can make sure that they succeed in the future. It is about not just the availability of care, but the quality of care. Quality is just as critical as availability. Among 28 local providers inspected by Ofsted, only 7% received an outstanding rating, compared with the national average of 14%. Although most providers were rated good, Dudley still lags behind the national quality standards. Since 2022, rising costs have strained early years funding, making it difficult for childcare providers to maintain higher standards.”

    House of Commons30 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  29. ““Invest 2035: the UK’s modern industrial strategy” identifies advanced manufacturing as a growth-driving sector. Manufacturing in Dudley accounts for 40.4% of jobs; that is double the national average. What steps are the Government taking to support and revitalise the manufacturing sector in Dudley, given its historical significance to the local economy, and its potential contribution to the UK’s overall industrial strategy?”

    House of Commons29 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  30. “What plans does the Cabinet Office have to support small and medium-sized enterprises in building resilience to future economic shocks and crises, to ensure that they can continue to operate under difficult conditions?”

    House of Commons24 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  31. “I just want to double-check: have you actually read the Bill? It talks about a consultation period with businesses, and the provisions will not be rolled out until 2026. There will be a probation period for certain businesses. We are pro-business, and maybe the shadow Minister should read the Bill properly.”

    House of Commons21 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  32. “At university, I was on a zero-hours contract in one of the biggest industries in Dudley. I remember when my colleagues and I would wait for the supervisors to produce a rota, and the uncertainty of not knowing who would be on the shift next. We were not alone; more than 1 million workers in the UK are stuck on these contracts, with more than 80% of them seeking predictable hours. The Bill reflects the values that we stand for of fairness, equality and dignity.”

    House of Commons21 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  33. “The Bill will change that by making them day one rights, so that workers are protected from the start of their employment. Under successive Conservative Governments, access to justice for workers was weakened. Tribunal fees made it harder for workers to hold bad employers to account. Although those fees were eventually scrapped, the damage remains, and the Bill corrects those failures by giving workers the protection that they deserve from day one. The Bill is also a significant step forward on gender equality. It makes parental leave a right from day one, allowing parents to access leave as soon as they start their job. That is particularly important in Dudley in sectors such as healthcare, education and the beauty industry, and will ensure that being a parent does not undermine a person’s job security.”

    House of Commons21 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  34. “I dismiss the claim from Conservative Members that the Bill is rushed, and I hope that the Business Secretary will reaffirm that and reassure Conservative Members that specific guidance and support will be provided to smaller businesses in places such as Dudley so that they can implement the reforms effectively, without excessive costs. The Bill includes welcome provisions that will strengthen statutory sick pay and provide financial stability for workers. Currently, 10 million people are not able to access basic health support at work, including up to 12,600 people in Dudley. The changes will ensure that no one is forced out of work due to ill health, helping to create workplaces that protect and promote the health of all employees. For too long, workers have had to wait months for basic protections such as unfair dismissal rights.”

    House of Commons21 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  35. “I declare my interests as a member of the GMB, Unison and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Dudley is home to thousands of small businesses and gig economy workers. Some 89% of those businesses are microbusinesses, and they will be watching closely to see that the Bill strikes the right balance between being pro-business and pro-worker. I believe that it does so. Alongside the “Next Steps to Make Work Pay” policy, the Bill offers a consultation period for businesses and a probation period, allowing them to shape practical and beneficial reforms, giving a voice to businesses and time to adjust, as it will not be rolled out until 2026.”

    House of Commons21 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  36. “Yesterday was Allied Health Professions Day, which raises awareness of 14 professions, including physios, speech and language therapists, and radiographers. Does the Minister agree that all the hard work of those professionals is really important for patient care?”

    House of Commons15 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  37. “I welcome the Government’s commitment to a risk-based approach to ensure that smaller organisations are not required to implement the same level of security as larger ones, and I am encouraged by the idea of providing tailored guidance and practical support. I hope that that will be further developed as the Bill progresses. The Bill is an important and necessary step in protecting our communities from the threat of terrorism. It strikes the right balance between providing security and ensuring that the measures are practical and appropriate. I look forward to working with colleagues in the House and with the Government to ensure that the Bill delivers to our communities the safety and security that they so desperately deserve, and provides the necessary steps for those who have been affected.”

    House of Commons14 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  38. “Larger venues such as stadiums will need to implement more comprehensive protections, while smaller ones can adopt simpler measures—I agree with that. By providing clear guidance and support, the Bill will contribute to the collective safety of our communities. That said, we must be mindful of the challenges that it may pose, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, charities and places of worship. In Dudley, such institutions are the backbone of the community, providing support and a safe space for people to gather. Many of them are concerned about the potential costs and operational demands that the Bill may bring.”

    House of Commons14 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  39. “The Bill will ensure that public spaces are better equipped to manage potential risk, reducing the likelihood of attacks and mitigating their impact if they do occur. We have a duty to protect our constituents, whether they are attending a religious service, a wedding or a concert. About 2,000 businesses in Dudley could be affected by the legislation, based on VAT and PAYE registrations. It is our responsibility to ensure that those places are not only secure but supported in taking the necessary steps to keep their doors open and their customers safe. The Bill places a duty on venues and businesses to assess their risk and take reasonable steps to mitigate them. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach: the security measures will be proportionate to the size and type of venue.”

    House of Commons14 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  40. “First, I thank Figen Murray for her tireless campaigning. I wish to speak in favour of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, which represents a vital step forward in our collective responsibility to keep people safe. The tragic events in Manchester reminded us all too clearly of the need for practical measures to safeguard our public spaces and of our vulnerabilities. The Bill provides a framework to ensure that venues and businesses take appropriate steps to protect the public from the threat of terrorism, and I fully support its aims. The need for the Bill is clear. Terrorism remains a real and persistent threat, and we have seen in Manchester, Birmingham and London that terrorism and terrorists are blind to the loss of human life. Public venues are often the target of those who seek to harm us.”

    House of Commons14 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  41. “As an NHS physiotherapist working in Dudley, I know very well that mental health is multifaceted. It affects not just one part of a person’s life, but everything: sleep deprivation, diet, overeating, undereating and building relationships. Does the Minister agree that we need more care in the community, including first contact practitioners, social prescribers and councillors in the community as the first line of treatment?”

    House of Commons10 October 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  42. “In the town of Dudley, the Conservative-led council has proposed the introduction of parking charges. That will affect students from Dudley College of Technology, learning development, local businesses, traders, users of the leisure centre and my residents, who will struggle with the costs. Will the Leader of the House allow a debate in Government time on how we support town centres and properly consider the potential negative impact on economic activity and community wellbeing caused by the hiking of parking charges?”

    House of Commons12 September 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  43. “Despite the damning analysis of the state in which the Conservatives left the NHS, Lord Darzi says that its vital signs remain strong. Does the Secretary of State agree with the case for the health service being taxpayer funded, free at the point of use, and based on need and not the ability to pay?”

    House of Commons12 September 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  44. “I would like to finish by paying tribute to two extraordinary women, without whom I would not be in this Chamber today. My sister has been my guiding light from the moment I was born. She has supported me unconditionally and encouraged me to pursue my dreams, and today, as every day, she teaches me to never give up. My maa, Rajinder Kaur, taught me the values of community, faith and resilience. She was an aspiring Bollywood actress. While those dreams may have fallen short, her legacy will be etched in history by being mentioned in this House today. Hon. Members will be pleased to know this speech is nowhere near the length of a Bollywood movie, and is coming to a close. I finish by turning once more to the people of Dudley. It is an honour to represent them and our great town in this House.”

    House of Commons4 September 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  45. “Now, the Dudley-based Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation is a world-class centre for rail innovation, helping towns and cities across the world meet the challenges of the 2020s. This Bill will also help us meet the challenges of the future. It will protect market stability and public trust, and ensure the Government’s fiscal plans are independently and transparently scrutinised, future-proofing our economy. That will help business owners like my father, Ashok Kumar, who arrived in this country at the age of nine. He set up his own business and is still working as a greengrocer 45 years on. He taught me the importance of hard work and heritage. As a new MP, nothing gives me more pleasure than talking to business owners like my dad.”

    House of Commons4 September 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  46. “Perhaps nothing displays the pride of the people of Dudley as much as our Black Country Living Museum. This magnificent tourist attraction not only promises a bostin’ day out; it has also been used as a filming location for, among others, the TV series “Peaky Blinders” and films such as “Stan & Ollie”. The museum has recently added a new attraction to show what life was like in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. A few years ago, the museum had an exhibition to mark 100 years since the granting of women’s suffrage. It is a measure of the progress we have made since then that I can now make my maiden speech as Dudley’s first female MP. Like the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley has changed through time. In the past, Dudley smelted iron ore, mined coal and limestone, and built a canal network that stretched across the country.”

    House of Commons4 September 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗

  47. “Dudley is the capital of the Black Country, and I know my constituency neighbours will agree. It has a long and proud history, celebrated on Black Country Day. Dudley was the driving force behind the industrial revolution. It is home to Dudley castle, which was built by the Normans and is where people can visit the delightful Dudley zoo. Yet Dudley’s attractions go back even further. Wren’s Nest national nature reserve is part of the Black Country UNESCO geopark. It has one of the oldest lime works in the UK, and the rock there is 428 million years old. Wren’s Nest contains over 700 different types of fossils. People come from all over the world to find fossils, and I invite hon. Members to walk around Wren’s Nest with me to look at the spectacular landscape and to see if they can find a fossil of their own to take home.”

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  48. “Working at the Dudley group NHS foundation trust as a physiotherapist, I saw patients from across our town—from Gornal, Castle and Priory, St Thomas’s, Brockmoor and Pensnett, St James’s, Sedgley, and Upper Gornal and Woodsetton. Seeing at first hand the ongoing issues faced by our NHS, and hearing at first hand the challenges my patients encountered, served as the catalyst for my decision to enter this House. My primary goal is to enhance the wellbeing of my residents in Dudley, and to secure an NHS that is equipped to meet the evolving needs of our country. The NHS, founded by a Labour Government, is truly a remarkable institution, and its history, achievements and challenges remind us of the importance of investing in a comprehensive and fair healthcare system.”

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  49. “It is a great pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Wokingham (Clive Jones), and to listen to the excellent speeches made in this Chamber. It is an honour to address the House as the new Member of Parliament for Dudley. The last Labour MP to represent Dudley was Ian Austin, now Lord Austin, who served as Minister for the West Midlands in the last Labour Government. He was a passionate and dedicated servant of the town in which he grew up. My immediate predecessor, Marco Longhi, also had a deep passion for the heritage of Dudley. In his contributions to the House, he sought to protect the historical buildings not just in our town but throughout our country. I now look forward to playing my part in protecting and preserving our heritage, and to go further by preserving our remarkable healthcare system.”

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  50. “Congratulations on your elevation, Madam Deputy Speaker. This statement is welcome in my constituency, where it is estimated that between 80 and 100 people were infected with HIV and approximately 26,800 were infected with hepatitis C after a blood transfusion. Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to the campaigners who have fought so hard to move this campaign and search for justice forward for those victims?”

    House of Commons26 July 2024Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0Source ↗