Speeches by Kumar.

“Within the UK’s red lines that we have set out, what tangible improvements can you see happening, realistically? Can you touch on some of the highly regulated sectors, like electronics and pharmaceuticals?”

“A constituent of mine who attends Dudley Voices for Choice has autism with complex mental health needs and is at risk of self-harm. Despite not being able to use a telephone, they are still required by mental health services to do so, and therefore they cannot be treated. They were told that they are non-compliant, so …”

“Given the mass protests, blackouts, social media censorship and the estimated death toll of 2,000 civilian in Iran, will my right hon. Friend set out what co-ordinated diplomatic response she is pursuing with the US and middle east allies, and what contingency plans there are should a dangerous power vacuum develop?”

“11. If he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of establishing a statutory national register of electricians.”

“I thank the Minister for her response. Gas installers must legally register under a Health and Safety Executive-owned scheme, yet electricians, despite near-zero part P enforcement and around 20,000 electrical fires a year, remain governed by voluntary clubs. The October 2026 rule changes will address qualifications, b…”

“In towns such as Dudley, bus routes are the lifeblood of the community. That is why I was disappointed when part of the 215 bus service serving Sledmere was going to be scrapped and residents were, rightly, upset. I am delighted that that decision has been overturned after lobbying Transport for West Midlands and I tha…”

“As temperatures have plummeted across the country this week, road conditions have deteriorated. Sadly, the Conservative council in Dudley removed 500 grit bins before the winter, creating dangerous conditions for all and making day-to-day errands simply impossible. Will my hon. Friend work with me to hold Dudley counci…”

“T6. I am proud that Dudley is home to Brockmoor Energy and Environment Scheme, the first to be funded under the net zero neighbourhood programme by Richard Parker, the West Midlands Mayor. Will the Minister set out what further measures he is taking to improve energy efficiency, retrofit homes and upgrade energy infras…”

“I welcome the Palestinian embassy, but with the crisis in Gaza still acute, the Israeli Government’s decision to strip NGOs of accreditation is unconscionable and puts vulnerable families at even greater risk. I welcome the steps taken to bring injured Gazan children here for treatment, but many are just too unwell to …”

“Article 2.4 of the United Nations charter states: “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state”. Does the Secretary of State agree that, even when a President lacks democratic legitimacy, any peaceful…”

“I thank the Minister and his Department for confirming yesterday that Dudley has successfully cleared the first stage of Pride in Place assessment—the first step to unlocking £20 million over the next decade. Will he outline how the new planning reforms, Pride in Place funding and greater community powers will revitali…”

“Tackling violence against women and girls demands that victims be at the heart of decisions, and robust action. I look forward to the publication of the strategy. Does the Minister agree that locally commissioned domestic abuse services should have statutory representation and multi-agency risk assessment conference bo…”

“Just quickly, Debbie, are there any two recommendations that you think we should be doing from a mayoral and local government point of view?”

“Is there anything locally or from a mayoral point of view that we should be doing? Are there any recommendations that you would like the Business and Trade Committee to put forward?”

“Debra, I am going to go back to you. There has been some talk about recommendations and what we should be doing from a national point of view. Is there anything, from a mayoral, combined authority or local government point of view, where you think support is needed for access to finance or supporting women in their bus…”

“You have made a really good point there. I would like to go back to Debra now, just from a regional point of view, because you might have a perspective that the Committee would like to hear when it comes to getting wealth to places such as Dudley, the Black Country and other rural areas.”

“Only 2% of venture capital is going to women, while only 0.02% is going to black female entrepreneurs, which is shocking in terms of the statistics. Why do you think we have such a disparity between these groups of brilliant women who can set up a business? Debra is a constituent; her business is in my constituency. Af…”

“Can you tell me where the barriers are? Is it the initial start‑up? Is it when women are growing their business and accelerating? Where are the biggest barriers and challenges that women are facing in the business cycle?”

“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 …”

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