Oral Answers to Questions

Sonia Kumar Excerpts

Tuesday 10th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Alex Davies-Jones]

I happily extend to the hon. Gentleman the invitation I gave previously to the right hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Sir John Hayes), and the commitment I made to look at what more we can do regarding the correlation between animal abuse and physical abuse.

[Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)]

Over 60% of people in prison have speech, language or communication needs. Effective rehabilitation must be holistic. To prevent reoffending and provide support, it is paramount that we address not only the offending behaviour, but the underlying communication, health, education and social needs. What steps is my hon. Friend the Minister taking to ensure that access to speech and language therapists and other allied health professionals is available in prison?

[Catherine McKinnell]

My hon. Friend is an avid campaigner, and with her health background, she is well placed to understand the value of the allied health professionals right across our society. That applies to prison in the same way. Obviously, there is a commitment that any person in prison will have the same access to treatment as they would if they were on the outside, which is vital if we are going to achieve the outcomes we want: reducing reoffending by giving people purposeful activity, education opportunities and the ability to gain skills, so that they can lead a more fulfilling life on the outside. I will certainly take away my hon. Friend’s suggestion about what more we can do.