Business of the House

Debate between Sonia Kumar and Alan Campbell

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.

Business of the House

Debate between Sonia Kumar and Alan Campbell

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I pay my respects to Phoebe’s family. It is an unbearable tragedy when this happens, and it happens too often. Work is under way to deliver an updated strategic framework for road safety—that will be the first one in over a decade. I will ensure my hon. Friend receives an update on that, and should she seek a debate, I am sure it would be well attended.

[Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)]

I recently returned from Kyiv, where I visited a rehabilitation centre supporting those injured by the Russian invasion. I was deeply moved by the dedication of the Ukrainian clinicians working under immense pressure. As a physiotherapist, I recognise the vital role that allied health professionals play in recovery. It was Allied Health Professions Day last week, and I would like to thank all the dedicated clinicians for the unconditional service they provide every single day. Will the Leader of the House agree to a debate on the importance of healthcare professionals collaborating internationally to help Ukrainians and the UK?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

That is a very timely question, and I thank my hon. Friend for her commitment to this cause. We are delivering equipment and training to Ukraine, including specialist physiotherapy and prosthetics, and we are a world leader in military rehabilitation, contributing to NATO-funded Operation Renovator. She may wish to raise these points at the next Defence questions or apply for an Adjournment debate to push these matters further.

Business of the House

Debate between Sonia Kumar and Alan Campbell

Thursday 16th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

It is hard to overestimate the importance of such transport links to communities like the right hon. Gentleman’s. As ever, he is an assiduous supporter of his communities. I will draw the matter to the attention of the appropriate Department. I wish him well in bringing together the bodies necessary to make these decisions, not just now but in future, and get some certainty.

[Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)]

After months of campaigning, public meetings, presenting a petition, sending letters, meeting Ministers, holding a day of action outside Ladies Walk and scrutinising Dudley council, I am delighted that the Ladies Walk Centre in Sedgley, a vital community hub providing NHS and library services, will remain open. This is a victory for local residents, who rightly oppose Dudley council’s near-closure of the site despite its chance to renegotiate the lease five years ago. Will the Leader of the House welcome this news and grant a debate on local government transparency?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am pleased to hear about my hon. Friend’s constituents’ successful campaign for a much-loved community asset. I know, and they will recognise, that she is a true champion of their interests and of their local community. References have already been made today—dare I say it, I anticipate more—to the importance of community and of community assets. I encourage hon. Members to join together and look into getting a Backbench Business debate so that they can raise pertinent issues.