Sonia Kumar
MP for Dudley
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Russia's assault on Ukraine has devastated its healthcare system, putting extreme pressure on hospitals and creating a shortage of specialist staff. Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking British physiotherapists for their work in Ukraine and commit to expanding UK-Ukraine clinical training partnerships?
Context
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has put extreme pressure on Ukraine's healthcare system, leading to a shortage of specialist staff.
Keir Starmer
I pay tribute to the delegation for their commendable work in Kyiv. We have announced a new package of support for Ukraine to mentor Ukrainian clinicians treating complex battlefield injuries.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to expanding partnerships.
Tribute To Delegation
Session: PMQs
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The inspection by the BBA—the British Board of Agrément—at Goodrich Mews in Dudley confirmed that the retaining wall installed by the Keller Phi Group will not have met the criteria that must be met if it is to have the stated service life, and it needs emergency repair. The Keller Phi Group has absolved itself of any responsibility, leaving residents with a dangerously collapsing wall. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can hold such companies to account?
Context
The BBA confirmed that the retaining wall installed by the Keller Phi Group will not have met the criteria and needs emergency repair, leaving residents with a dangerously collapsing wall.
Matthew Pennycook
Homeowners should not be expected to shoulder the financial consequences of defective work. However, the case of Goodrich Mews is a challenging one, in that the legal liability appears to now lie with the resident management company. My hon. Friend knows that I have been looking into the matter for her, and I am more than happy to meet her again. I believe that my office has been seeking further information from hers, which we would be grateful to receive.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-07
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I am delighted that the midlands metro tram line will connect Dudley with the rest of the west midlands. However, the construction has caused disruption to local businesses such as the Dubliner's, and repeated delays have exacerbated that. What support can the Minister provide to businesses that are being impacted by the repeated delays to the tram?
Context
Construction of the midlands metro tram line has caused disruption to local businesses in Dudley.
Heidi Alexander
I am obviously sorry to hear about the disruption to businesses in my hon. Friend's constituency. Let me take this issue away for her and talk to the Mayor of the West Midlands and all relevant parties to ascertain whether anything can be done to mitigate the impact on her constituents.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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The UK's green economy is worth more than £100 billion a year, and nearly half a trillion pounds in investment is in the pipeline. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the contracts that his Department provides prioritise British firms and British jobs, so that we can prove our national capabilities and secure our energy?
Context
Concern over ensuring contracts prioritize British firms and jobs.
Ed Miliband
That is something we take incredibly seriously. We are an energy policy and industrial policy Department. We have made progress on that and are determined to make further progress.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-07
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What steps is the Minister taking to speed up high street regeneration by bringing empty shops back into use, and will he visit Dudley town high street?
Context
Concerns over high street shop closures and economic impact.
Nesil Caliskan
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important issue. I will point to two things: first, later this year we will bring forward a high street strategy backed by at least £150 million; and secondly, as I said earlier, we are pushing ahead with the high street rental auctions programme, which is already seeing empty shops being brought back into use.
Session: Topical Questions
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With high levels of deprivation and health inequality in Dudley, will the Minister meet me to discuss leveraging the 10-year plan to reduce inequalities, and does he agree we need a healthcare hub on the high street?
Context
High levels of deprivation and health inequality exist in Dudley, prompting the questioner to campaign for a healthcare hub on the high street.
James Murray
My hon. Friend is a strong advocate for her constituency, and I agree that high street accessibility of healthcare services is crucial. We aim to deliver 250 neighbourhood health centres by 2030, including 120 within the next ten years.
Session: Topical Questions
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What further steps will the Minister take to tackle antisocial behavior and ensure business safety?
Context
Vandalism has damaged a central seating area, impacting local businesses. The Government is restoring neighbourhood policing and opening a new police station.
Sarah Jones
We are introducing respect orders for tackling low-level antisocial behavior. I am happy to visit my hon. Friend's area to understand the problems better.
Session: Topical Questions
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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 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?
Context
The MP is concerned about the challenges faced by youth centres such as High Oak in Dudley due to insecure funding, despite high levels of young people not in education, employment or training.
Lisa Nandy
We have put £500 million behind the national youth strategy, a major element of which will deliver the next generation of youth clubs and youth workers. The Youth Minister is happy to discuss further with my hon. Friend to ensure Dudley's young people are well served.
Session: Youth Centres Dudley
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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 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?
Context
The MP is concerned about the challenges faced by youth centres such as High Oak in Dudley due to insecure funding, despite high levels of young people not in education, employment or training.
Lisa Nandy
We have put £500 million behind the national youth strategy, a major element of which will deliver the next generation of youth clubs and youth workers. The Youth Minister is happy to discuss further with my hon. Friend to ensure Dudley's young people are well served.
Session: Youth Centres Dudley
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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?
Context
Pride in Place funding in Dudley is being divided between two constituencies, raising concerns about dilution and the impact on communities with high levels of deprivation. There's a need for tangible improvements to be seen from this investment.
Steve Reed
Of course, the most exciting thing about Pride in Place is that communities themselves, rather than politicians, make the decisions about how the money is spent. They will come together, from across the area that is benefiting from the funding, to decide what they want to do to put pride back into a place that had pride ripped out of its heart by the Conservatives.
Session: Pride in Place Community Spaces
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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?
Context
The long-awaited metro station in Dudley is set to open later this year, bringing promise for local economic growth. However, there are further investments desired by the community.
Heidi Alexander
The metro's expansion represents a major boost for growth in Dudley, delivering fast connections to Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Black Country. Together with the Dudley interchange, it will transform local transport, unlocking opportunities for jobs and education. I enjoyed my last visit to Dudley and will ask my office to check availability for the metro opening.
Session: Transport Connectivity Dudley
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What steps are being taken to improve transport connectivity in Dudley?
Context
Communities across Dudley have struggled with poor transport links, affecting local businesses and residents. The recent opening of the metro station is seen as a significant improvement.
Heidi Alexander
We are empowering the Mayor of the West Midlands with £2.4 billion in flexible, integrated funding for transformative local priorities such as metro expansion, bus franchising and light rail.
Session: Transport Connectivity Dudley
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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?
Context
One in five households in Dudley are experiencing fuel poverty, and the removal of social and environmental levies from electricity bills helps shield some constituents from war impacts.
Ed Miliband
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about that. It is an important reassurance for understandably worried families that, from 1 April, the energy price cap will fall by £117 thanks to this Government's actions. That happened not automatically, but because the Chancellor made decisions in the Budget to raise taxes on the wealthiest, which was opposed by the Conservative party.
Session: Household Energy Bills
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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?
Context
Local traders in Dudley face issues such as low footfall, empty shops, and shoplifting, affecting their ability to compete with online retailers. These challenges are impacting businesses like Sukibinder Singh's Little Italy.
Dan Tomlinson
We are working on the high streets strategy and have provided a wedge in the tax system so that the rate that online giants pay for their warehouses is a third higher than the rate paid by the smallest businesses on the high street. We will keep looking at the issue and at what more we can do to support businesses across the tax system.
Session: High Street Businesses Tax Changes
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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?
Context
Concerns about the security and ethical governance of NHS data entrusted to external firms such as Palantir, and the impact of cyber-attacks on British companies and the NHS.
Chris Ward
My hon. Friend raises a serious point, which builds on the last question, which the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, who is also the Security Minister, answered, and the question about digital ID. If it is okay with my hon. Friend the Member for Dudley (Sonia Kumar) , I will write to her about the steps that the Department is taking and how we are working across Government on this important matter.
Session: Health and Social Care IT Systems
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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.
Context
The question addresses the Department of Health and Social Care's procurement of secure IT systems infrastructure from British businesses.
Chris Ward
The Government are determined to ensure that our £400 billion-a-year procurement budget supports British businesses. The Cabinet Office has published the digital, data and technology playbook, which provides guidance on how to source and contract digital data and technology projects. It includes guidance for all Departments, including the Department of Health and Social Care.
Session: Health and Social Care IT Systems
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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?
Context
A local sweetshop, Teddy Grays in Dudley, is celebrating 200 years of business but faces challenges with rising energy bills.
Chris McDonald
That was an extremely sweet question, and I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the issue further and outline many of the initiatives that the Government are taking to support small businesses.
Session: Topical Questions
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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?
Context
Organised crime groups facilitate illegal migration to the UK and require financial disruption.
Alex Norris
I can report to the House that we have made 4,000 such disruptions of organised immigration crime. We are working with partners on all flows of illicit trafficking of peoples across the world, at every stage.
Session: Topical Questions
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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?
Context
Paige, a 24-year-old survivor of human trafficking from Dudley, faced betrayal by the systems meant to protect her and denial of medical support. Her advocate was excluded from multi-agency meetings when she attempted suicide.
The Solicitor General
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue. I am very sorry to hear about the experiences of her constituent Paige. Modern slavery cases are complex, but the CPS will ensure its prosecutors share best practice and insights to improve outcomes for victims. The Government is committed to spending £550 million to support those victims. In May 2025, a modern slavery national scrutiny panel was established by the CPS, chaired by the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, to examine performance in cases and strengthen decision-making and case-building for vulnerable victims.
Session: Human Trafficking
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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?
Context
A constituent of the MP has autism and complex mental health needs, is at risk of self-harm, and cannot use a telephone. The individual's support was reduced because they were deemed non-compliant with using this method of communication.
Stephen Kinnock
We are recruiting 8,500 more mental health workers by the end of this Parliament. The Mental Health Act 2025 reforms will ensure that people with a learning disability, autistic people and people with the most severe mental health conditions have greater choice and control over their treatment and receive the dignity and respect they deserve.
Session: Topical Questions
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Gas installers must legally register under a Health and Safety Executive-owned scheme, yet electricians remain governed by voluntary clubs despite the risks of around 20,000 annual electrical fires. 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?
Context
Electricians are currently governed by voluntary clubs, with near-zero enforcement for part P regulations. There are approximately 20,000 electrical fires annually.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Samantha Dixon)
The Government take electrical safety very seriously. However, the risks associated with gas and electrical work are different; circuit breakers can shut down electrical systems in milliseconds to protect people from shock or fire, whereas faulty gas systems could result in an explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. The health and safety regulations and electricity at work regulations already exist, alongside the IET wiring regulations as a code of practice.
Session: National Register of Electricians
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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?
Context
The Brockmoor Energy and Environment Scheme was the first to be funded under the net zero neighbourhood programme by Richard Parker, the West Midlands Mayor.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Martin McCluskey)
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the work of the Brockmoor Energy and Environment Scheme. I met Richard Parker recently, and I hope to come and see some of these projects myself in the future. We will soon publish the warm homes plan, which will set out further plans to support such projects, but we have already allocated £1.8 billion to local authorities and social housing providers through the warm homes local grant, and the warm homes social housing fund.
Session: Topical Questions
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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?
Context
The Government has invested £820 million to help young people into work, but Dudley has the highest proportion of school leavers not in education, employment or training.
Diana Johnson (Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions)
I welcome my hon. Friend’s question. The growth in the number of NEETs over time is absolutely a matter of inequality. The previous Government failed to tackle this issue and the numbers went up and up. This Government are going to do something, because it is about opportunity for young people and our economic future. We cannot have nearly a million young people not in education, employment or training.
Session: Unemployment Levels
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I thank my hon. Friend for his response. In light of nearly 4 million people in the UK being victims of some sort of domestic violence, 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?
Context
The question follows a report by the House of Commons Commission agreeing to seek accreditation from the White Ribbon campaign in October, aimed at preventing violence against women and girls. The context is the ongoing national crisis with nearly 4 million people affected by domestic abuse in the UK.
Nick Smith
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. I am happy to help with her key point about messaging. Members, as employers, could implement a domestic abuse policy. To help with this, the Members’ human resources advice service has specific guidance and templates available for Members, and can support them with implementation.
Session: House of Commons Domestic Abuse Policy
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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?
Context
Sonia Kumar highlighted the importance of SMEs at the Pensnett estate, a large industrial area with nearly 200 businesses ranging from plumbing to steelworks.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
I am grateful for the time that my hon. Friend spent talking to me about SME potential in Dudley and across the west midlands last week. There is a huge opportunity to direct more of the increasing defence budget at British firms, and in particular SMEs. There is huge potential with the skills base in the west midlands. I would be happy to take my hon. Friend up on her offer of visiting Dudley and getting those businesses more involved in the defence supply chain.
Session: Defence Procurement SMEs
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Sonia Kumar questioned the steps being taken by the Department to improve access to finance for scaling up start-ups, and asked how women could get a fair share of this access.
Context
UK start-ups face challenges in raising equity compared to US counterparts.
Peter Kyle
Peter Kyle noted that Sonia Kumar is asking important questions related to economic reform. He highlighted reforms from the Mansion House and the role of pensions in unlocking capital into the economy.
Session: Topical Questions
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Over the past 14 years, police forces have faced significant cuts to personnel and resources. While many areas are returning to 2010 staffing levels, the west midlands still has 540 fewer officers. I support the efforts of the police and crime commissioner, Simon Foster. How can we address the funding gap caused by an outdated national formula that has disadvantaged my Dudley constituents?
Context
Over the past 14 years, police forces have faced significant cuts to personnel and resources. The west midlands still has 540 fewer officers compared to 2010.
Yvette Cooper
My hon. Friend is a passionate advocate for policing in her constituency. I hope she will welcome the increase for the west midlands of over 300 neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs. It comes at a time when we are putting 3,000 more neighbourhood police on the beat. We are also bringing in: new laws on off-road bikes and town centre crime; a ban on machetes, zombie knives and ninja swords; domestic abuse experts in 999 control rooms; and new protections against terrorism for venues. That is action across the board to keep our communities safe.
Session: Topical Questions
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Some 58% of investors think it is important that stocks and shares ISAs are invested in UK companies. Currently, it is estimated that £100 billion is held in the cash ISAs of people who do not have stocks and shares ISAs. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to encourage further investment in UK stocks and shares, and investment in UK companies?
Context
MP highlighted the importance of UK company investment in ISAs, citing a desire for increased confidence from investors.
Emma Reynolds
As we set out at the spring statement, we are looking at the balance between investments in cash and investments in stocks and shares in ISAs. We want to get that balance right. We understand the importance of a rainy day buffer in cash, but we need to give people the confidence to invest. That is a win-win: it is a win for them and a win for British companies listed on our stock exchange.
Session: Topical Questions
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Since the global financial crisis, listing on the London Stock Exchange has fallen by 40%, posing a significant barrier to growth as liquidity and investor activity decline. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that more British businesses are listed on the London Stock Exchange and that the UK remains a leading global financial sector?
Context
Listing on the London Stock Exchange has fallen by 40% since the global financial crisis, posing a significant barrier to growth due to declining liquidity and investor activity.
Jonathan Reynolds
That is an area of concern to us all. We support and continue to implement some of the listing rules and prospective changes of the previous Government, but the bigger change from this Government is to liquidity, particularly around pensions reforms. None the less, this remains an issue of key competitiveness for the United Kingdom.
Session: Topical Questions
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I wholeheartedly support the Football Governance Bill, which is about to begin its Committee stage in this place. It is crucial that we support football at all levels of the football pyramid. What work is the Minister doing to ensure that an adequate number of 3G and 4G pitches are available in areas like my constituency?
Context
Ensuring that an adequate number of 3G and 4G pitches are available.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
My hon. Friend is a strong champion for her area, and I have met her to talk about grassroots facilities in Dudley. We are working with the Football Foundation to ensure that we invest up and down the country in our grassroots facilities.
Session: Lower League Football Clubs Funding
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Concerns have been raised by the Centre for Inclusive Living in Dudley and many residents regarding the PIP entitlement criteria and assessment. What reassurances can be given that this Government will protect vulnerable individuals and ensure disabled people are enabled rather than disadvantaged?
Context
The Centre for Inclusive Living in Dudley supports those with disabilities, raising concerns about the PIP entitlement criteria and assessment process.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)
Thanking my hon. Friend for raising her constituents’ concerns, I say that we have this week announced a broader review of the PIP assessment process to give considerable reassurance to stakeholders and constituents moving forward.
Session: Personal Independence Payment Assessments
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For every £1 of equity funding, only 2p goes to fully female-funded business—a figure that has barely shifted in recent years. Closing that gap could unlock up to £250 billion for the UK economy. Will the Minister outline what further steps the Department will take in collaboration with the Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade to address that persistent inequality and support female entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses?
Context
Women-led businesses face a significant gap in equity funding, with only 2p of every £1 going to fully female-funded business. This disparity has persisted over the past decade.
The Minister for Equalities (Seema Malhotra)
My hon. Friend is right; for too long, innovative women-led start-ups have been held back due to a lack of finance, with the proportion of equity capital investment going to all female-founded firms stuck at around 2% in the UK for the last decade. Alongside the invest in women taskforce, the Department for Business and Trade is leading on the investing in women code, and working with finance providers to increase access to finance, resources and networks for women-led businesses.
Session: Access to Venture Capital Women
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Red Hall primary school in my constituency of Dudley is split down the middle by Zoar Street. The theft of lead from the Victorian roofs, leakages and no real playground do not make an environment for children to thrive. In 2010, the Conservatives shelved plans to consolidate and repair the school on one side of the road. Will the Minister meet with me to discuss reopening those plans?
Context
Red Hall primary school in Dudley faces issues such as theft of lead from the Victorian roofs, leakages, and no real playground.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
This Government have increased capital funding to improve the condition of school buildings to £2.1 billion for the next financial year. This will include funding for Dudley local authority to invest in improving the condition of its maintained schools, including Red Hall primary school. Capital funding and programmes for schools beyond 2025-26 will be confirmed following the spending review. I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend, who is a real champion for children in her constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
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Gaza’s healthcare system has been devastated, and many civilians are in desperate need of treatment and specialist care, which is not available in Gaza itself. Will the Minister ensure that the Government continue to raise with Israel the importance of allowing safe passage out of Gaza for those children in need of urgent medical treatment? Will they consider additional evacuation routes for critically unwell children?
Context
Gaza's healthcare system is devastated, and many civilians need urgent medical treatment not available in Gaza. The questioner seeks to ensure that the Government continue to raise this issue with Israel.
The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that important question. We have been working closely with Egypt, which has sought to support many of those requiring medical assistance. Across Government we continue to look carefully at this issue, but Gazans need healthcare support in Gaza, and the UK Government have been supporting that.
Session: Topical Questions
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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?
Context
Russells Hall, a significant area in Dudley, ranks highly on the local index due to its great need and nearly half of working-age residents rely on benefits. This highlights the urgent need for targeted support.
Stephanie Peacock
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. I know Dudley well, and I know that she is a strong advocate for the area she represents. I reassure her that the Government are committed to supporting those places in need through the community wealth fund. We are working at pace on the details and delivery of the fund and will set out the next steps in due course.
Session: Community Wealth Fund Dudley
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the community wealth fund supports communities in Dudley constituency?
Context
The question arises from the need to ensure that the community wealth fund supports communities in Dudley constituency, which is facing significant challenges.
Stephanie Peacock
The Government are committing to ensure that the community wealth fund delivers meaningful benefits across England. That is why we have allocated £87.5 million of dormant assets funding towards it. We will set out our position on the key design principles of the community wealth fund shortly.
Session: Community Wealth Fund Dudley
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"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?
Context
The UK's modern industrial strategy identifies advanced manufacturing as a growth-driving sector. Manufacturing in Dudley accounts for 40.4% of jobs, more than double the national average.
Tulip Siddiq
As my hon. Friend rightly says, we identified advanced manufacturing as a growth-driving sector in the recently published industrial strategy Green Paper. I know how important manufacturing centres such as the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre are to Dudley and the UK economy. We are committed to supporting advanced manufacturing through the industrial strategy, which, alongside sector plans, will be developed in partnership with businesses and stakeholders ahead of publication in spring 2025. I hope that she will contribute to that. Jobs will be at the heart of our industrial strategy, backed by employment rights that are fit for a modern economy.
Session: Economic Productivity
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What steps she is taking to increase economic productivity in the Black Country?
Context
The question arises from the need to increase economic productivity in the Black Country, an area with specific economic challenges.
Tulip Siddiq
Increasing economic productivity is a key mission in the Labour Government's growth agenda. After 14 years of weak productivity, depressed living standards and unfunded spending commitments, we are adamant about bringing our country into an upward trajectory, using the national wealth fund and the significant planning reforms that we are bringing together to ensure a decade of national renewal for our country.
Session: Economic Productivity
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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?
Pat McFadden
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. Our agenda for growth will help small businesses. We are determined to support them. I assure my hon. Friend that they are an important part of our resilience strategy and our resilience review. Earlier this week, the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Thamesmead (Ms Oppong-Asare) met a range of businesses to discuss shared goals in respect of resilience and to ensure that they can have input into the strategy we are preparing.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that all hard work of those professionals is really important for patient care? She highlighted the significance of allied health professions in delivering quality healthcare within tight constraints.
Context
Yesterday was Allied Health Professions Day, raising awareness of 14 professions crucial for patient care.
Andrew Gwynne
The Minister agrees that staff are crucial and necessary to deliver good-quality care, but did not provide specifics or new initiatives beyond acknowledging their role.
Session: Post-sepsis Syndrome
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During the pandemic, I witnessed wasted resources from crony contracts. Will the Minister outline tangible steps to avoid similar waste and reassure constituents that taxpayer money will be taken seriously?
Context
Witnessed wasted resources due to crony contracts during the pandemic, seeking steps to avoid such waste in future.
Georgia Gould
Launched a fraud commissioner, set out commitment to driving down fraud. Learning lessons from the work of the covid commissioner who reports to Parliament.
Session: Public Procurement Value for Money
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Osteoporosis and Bone Health
22 April 2026
Responding: Sharon Hodgson
Main Concerns
["As a practising physiotherapist, Sonia Kumar has witnessed the profound impact of osteoporosis on individuals' health, independence, and livelihood. She highlighted that over 3.2 million people in England live with osteoporosis, including more than 2.5 million women, with one in two women over 50 suffering a fracture caused by osteoporosis. The disease is asymptomatic until it manifests through fractures, which can lead to significant health issues and loss of independence. She cited stark variations in access to treatment across the country, noting that prescribing rates for critical second-line therapy are three and a half times higher in affluent areas compared with deprived areas."]
Specific Asks
['Sonia Kumar called on the Government to roll out fracture liaison services (FLS) to all parts of England by 2030, introduce questions about bone density and osteoporosis in health checks for over-40s, and implement targeted case finding and proactive bone health management for those aged 70 and above.']
Antisocial Behaviour: Dudley
29 April 2025
Responding: Jess Phillips
Main Concerns
['Residents of Dudley are increasingly concerned about issues such as vandalism, intimidation, dangerous driving, and drug dealing. The cost to businesses and individuals due to heightened fear of crime is estimated at over £70 billion a year. Additionally, there has been a 76% increase in local crime and a significant reduction in police numbers.']
Specific Asks
['The speaker calls for better prevention methods, high-visibility patrols in hotspots, collaboration with businesses and residents to identify persistent offenders, and support for community assets like sports and youth centres. She also welcomes the government’s £200 million investment for neighbourhood policing as part of a wider £1 billion boost.']
Parking: Town Centres
14 January 2025
Responding: Alex Norris
Main Concerns
['Local authorities across the country are increasing parking fees to address financial difficulties. In Dudley, council changes have sparked significant debate and concern among residents and traders. The rise of internet shopping has driven shoppers away from high streets, leading to a decline in footfall and viability for local businesses.']
Specific Asks
['Councils should investigate measures such as free short-term parking arrangements to support small independent traders and increase footfall without relying on excessive parking charges that act as a cash cow. The debate calls for more imaginative solutions like one-hour free parking, which has proven successful in other areas.']
Musculoskeletal Conditions
17 December 2024
Responding: Andrew Gwynne
Main Concerns
["The speaker is concerned about the lack of awareness and early diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in children. They highlight that many patients are diagnosed late which affects their physical activity, relationships, mental health, and sleeping patterns throughout life. The importance of physiotherapists' role in diagnosing MSK conditions through various methods such as X-rays, MRI scans, and ultrasounds is stressed."]
Specific Asks
['The speaker requests the Minister to involve physiotherapists early on from nursery stage onwards to improve the diagnosis of MSK conditions at a younger age for better health management throughout life.']
Childcare: Black Country
30 October 2024
Responding: Stephen Morgan
Main Concerns
['The quality and availability of childcare in the Black Country is a critical issue. Dudley has only 17 places per 100 children, falling below the national average of 25 per 100. Only 7% of local providers received an outstanding rating from Ofsted compared to the national average of 14%. The YMCA reports that over a third (34%) of children in its Black Country settings need additional support for special educational needs and disabilities, which is significantly higher than the 13% in affluent areas. Child poverty has risen from 22% in 2014 to 32% in 2023.']
Specific Asks
['How will the Government address childcare deserts? What specific measures will be put in place to ensure families in financial hardship can access childcare? How will providers facing inflation-driven costs receive support?']
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
CHURCH COMMISSIONERS
03 September 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
Asked about the steps the Church of England is taking to work with other faith groups to promote community cohesion.
Iran Conflict: Ceasefire
09 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Asylum Accommodation
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Digital Safety: Children
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Milburn Review: Interim Report
02 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Murder of Henry Nowak
02 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Social Care Bill
01 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, moved the Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill. He emphasised the personal significance of the NHS in his life due to a ra...
Backbench Business
23 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Congratulated her colleague on securing the debate and highlighted the crucial role of allied health professionals in delivering the NHS's three shifts, especially in paediatric care. She cited exampl...
Privatisation of Sycamore Adventure Centre
12 November 2025
The petitioners are concerned about the proposed privatisation of Sycamore Adventure Centre in Dudley, which they argue would reduce accessibility, limit play opportunities, and undermine community ow...
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Privatisation of Sycamore Adventure Centre
15 October 2025
The petition calls for the prevention of the privatisation of Sycamore Adventure Centre in Dudley, which has long served as a vital community resource fostering cohesion and supporting children’s heal...
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Potential closure of the Ladies Walk Centre
19 May 2025
The petition addresses the potential closure of the Ladies Walk Centre in Dudley, which provides essential health and library services. No agreement has been reached to ensure that the centre’s lease ...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
80.6%
79 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
33
33.7% of votes
No Votes
46
46.9% of votes
Abstentions
19
19.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
41
Ministerial Questions Asked
47
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
3
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+206% above average
This MP:
41
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+867% above average
This MP:
47
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+22% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+16% above average
This MP:
80.6
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Sonia Kumar's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.