Business of the House

Sonia Kumar Excerpts

Thursday 30th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I pay tribute to the vital work that mountain rescue volunteers and other such organisations provide across our country. There are currently no VED exemptions for voluntary search and rescue organisations, but the Government review taxes such as vehicle excise duty annually. I will ensure that the Chancellor has heard my hon. Friend’s comments and concerns ahead of the Budget. As I have said, there will be Budget debates on such matters.

[Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)]

As we approach Remembrance Sunday, we honour those who gave their lives for our freedom, and remember the often overlooked women who served as codebreakers and factory workers, and in countless vital roles. In light of that, I have written to Dudley council asking it to permanently install the first ever women of war silhouette, funded by the Sedgley townswomen’s guild. I thank its members for their dedication. Will the Leader of the House join me in remembering the thousands of women who served, and continue to serve, and will he make time for a debate about their contribution?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

It is our duty to never forget all those who gave their lives for our country, especially during this Remembrance period. I am always particularly moved when I pass the memorial in Whitehall to the women who served our country in the world wars. They played a fundamental role in the war effort, and we must honour and mark that. On Armistice Day, there will be a debate in the House, and I hope that my hon. Friend will be able to make the points that she has raised today.