Speeches by Kumar.

“Does my right hon. Friend agree that consistency and clarity are exactly what businesses require to grow and thrive? That is why the Government should consider the report’s recommendation to consult with industry on rejoining the pan-Euro-Mediterranean convention. PEM membership could support tariff-free trade, simplif…”

“I congratulate the hon. Member on securing this important debate. As a physiotherapist I meet patients with chronic UTIs who tell me about the increasing urgency leading to incontinence. The stigma behind incontinence is disgraceful. Does he agree that we need a wider strategy? When it comes to UTIs we need to look at …”

“I rise to present a petition on behalf of the residents of Dudley and Sedgley regarding the future of the Ladies Walk centre. It declares that the health and library services provided by the centre are at risk of closure, as no agreement has yet been reached to ensure that the lease for the property does not expire in …”

“Holden’s Bottling company in my constituency has written to me with concerns about EPR, saying it makes the company simply uncompetitive. Does my hon. Friend agree that if EPR fees were calculated on volume not weight, it would incentivise using more sustainable materials such as glass over plastic?”

“Currently, 4,000 newborns in Gaza are unable to access essential lifesaving care due to the destruction of medical facilities. Severe malnutrition and the death of critically ill children is now a daily reality. In the light of the ongoing suffering of children, does the Minister agree that it is time for the UK to go …”

“Are these all British-backed? Is this only for British-backed SMEs or can anybody go for this?”

“Coming on the back of this, a number of businesses speak to me and they say that they have financial literacy, but they are struggling to get access to finance or they are struggling with marketing. Would a solution be to have a centralised hub where businesses can access different training modules for different parts …”

“In terms of tackling some of the barriers, it sounds like the process is a little bit simpler. In particular, SMEs find it very difficult to apply for Government contracts because of all the bureaucracy. What other avenues are you pursuing to try to break down these barriers?”

“Secretary of State, how will you hold mayors to account for delivering the industrial strategy—with a focus on not just cities but towns such as Dudley?”

“Moving on to devolution, what proportion of funding allocated to the industrial strategy will be delivered, first, from a national point of view and, secondly, locally?”

“What concerns me is that sometimes a certain supplier has a monopoly on supplying the NHS, for instance—I know this as a former NHS manager. They will supply all the healthcare products and there is no competitive review in any way. If there are SMEs that want to get in, they cannot because they just do not have the ab…”

“How long is the process taking from an SME wanting to bid for a contract to them getting one? When I worked in the NHS as a manager, it took over a year for me to list any new contracts. There were monopoly suppliers, and getting a new contract in or trying to look at any other cost-saving SMEs was ridiculously difficu…”

“The Centre for Inclusive Living in Dudley, which supports those with disabilities, and many residents have written to me to raise concerns about the PIP entitlement criteria and assessment. What reassurances can my hon. Friend give that this Government will protect those most vulnerable in society and that those with d…”

“5. What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on access to venture capital for women.”

“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 …”

“Ladies Walk NHS health centre in Sedgley is a vital hub for my constituents, providing essential services such as phlebotomy and diabetic foot care, but owing to the inaction of the Conservative council this much-needed community asset faces closure in 2026, leaving residents without access to critical care. Will my ho…”

“I agree. Many people have said to me that the smoking of cannabis and drug dealing across the constituency is causing them not to want to go out, and they are really worried about their children. It is also just wrong, and we need better rehabilitation services. A question we should reflect on is why people have such h…”

“I beg to move, That this House has considered the matter of anti-social behaviour in Dudley. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Furniss; I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in this important debate on antisocial behaviour in Dudley. Antisocial behaviour strikes at the heart of every community …”

“I thank my hon. Friend. That is why I welcomed the Government’s announcement of £200 million for neighbourhood policing as part of the wider £1 billion boost. This investment will reassure communities as they once again see local police officers patrolling our streets. By supporting our local police forces, we will tur…”

“I agree with my hon. Friend and constituency neighbour. We need to ensure that the local council is engaging with residents in community forums and working with local police, and that we have more police on our streets. Car theft is another serious issue. In my area in particular, I am too often told by email about cas…”