Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Women’s Economic Empowerment

Wednesday 10 December 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Dr Lauren Sullivan highlighted several women-led businesses in Gravesham, emphasizing their contribution to the local economy.
  • Mike Reader discussed the launch of Northamptonshire's women's charter, aimed at creating safer workspaces for women in his constituency.
  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of women-led businesses and expressed support for initiatives like the Northamptonshire women's charter.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lauren Sullivan Lab Gravesham
Business & Trade Women & Equalities
Context

In Gravesham, there are several small businesses led by women that contribute to the local economy. Dr Sullivan highlights specific businesses such as House of Leyla and Ms Earlyn’s.

Question

In Gravesham, we have some fantastic small businesses led by women across a diverse sector of businesses, such as House of Leyla, Nell’s Café, Maucare Services, Embridge Consulting, Ms Earlyn’s and For Girlys. Will the Minister recognise the importance of women-led businesses to the local economy and economic empowerment and set out how this Government will support women leaders to thrive?

Answer from The Minister for Equalities (Seema Malhotra)

I am happy to join my hon. Friend in recognising the fantastic women-led businesses in Gravesham and the impact that women-led businesses have on our communities and our economy. The Department for Business and Trade’s venture capital unit has recently launched its second female founder cohort, and Government-backed initiatives such as the Women’s Business Council, FTSE Women Leaders and the Invest in Women taskforce—whose first anniversary I was proud to join the Chancellor in marking yesterday—are making a difference to ensure that Britain is the best place for women to start or grow their businesses.

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Q2 Mike Reader Lab Northampton South
Employment Women & Equalities
Context

Danielle Stone, the police, fire and crime commissioner for Northamptonshire, has launched a women’s charter to create safer workspaces for women in local communities.

Question

Danielle Stone, Northamptonshire’s brilliant police, fire and crime commissioner, has just launched the women’s charter, which brings together employers, community groups and the public sector to create safer workspaces for women across my constituency. Will the Minister join me in commending Danielle’s work and set out what the Government can do to encourage more partnerships like this across the UK?

Answer from The Minister for Equalities (Seema Malhotra)

I thank my hon. Friend for sharing that work on the Northamptonshire women’s charter and for his commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. All employers have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, and we are further strengthening that duty through the Employment Rights Bill. However, statutory compliance on its own is not enough, which is why we are engaging businesses, trade unions and civil society on improving workplace culture. Local initiatives like the Northamptonshire charter are exactly the kind of partnership we want to see.

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