Oral Answers to Questions

Sonia Kumar Excerpts

Thursday 27th November 2025 Commons Chamber

The hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, was asked—

[Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)]

3. Whether the Commission is taking steps to create a domestic abuse policy for the House of Commons.

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney)]

I am pleased to report that the House of Commons Commission agreed in October to seek accreditation from the White Ribbon campaign. The campaign does important work to prevent violence against women and girls by promoting equality, building networks and challenging harmful attitudes and behaviour. The accreditation process involves creating an action plan and policies to provide support relating to domestic abuse. Guidance and resources are available on the parliamentary intranet.

[Sonia Kumar]

I thank my hon. Friend for his response. In the past year, nearly 4 million people in the UK have been victims of some sort of domestic violence. This is a national crisis. In light of that, 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?

[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.