Speeches by Kumar.

“Women-led businesses launch with 53% less capital, and only 2% of venture capital goes to women, compared with men. How will you close the gap so that those stark inequalities are reduced?”

“I warmly welcome the statement. With improved medical care, earlier diagnosis and greater awareness, more children with special educational needs are being identified. How will my right hon. Friend ensure that schools have the right environment, staff, funding and resources for SEND children to get the most of the posi…”

“In Dudley, we have the Pensnett estate, one of the largest industrial estates in Europe. It is home to nearly 200 businesses, including a variety of SMEs, ranging from plumbing to steelworks. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that SMEs in Dudley have the time and the space to bid for contracts? Will t…”

“3. What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of direct procurement from defence SMEs in the west midlands.”

“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 s…”

“What steps is the Department taking to improve access to finance for UK start-ups seeking to scale up, given that only 1% of UK start-ups raise equity of more than £100 million? By comparison, in the US, 6% of start-ups do so. Furthermore, how can we ensure that women get a fair share of access to finance?”

“Yes, please, if possible.”

“I hope they will.”

“Oh, sorry—obviously, it would have to be on a Thursday.”

“Thank you so much, Chair, and thanks to the Committee for looking at my application. As stated in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests, I am a physiotherapist, so I am one of those allied health professionals. The first thing I would ask the Committee is, do you even know what an allied health professional is? …”

“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…”

“What reforms do you want to see with tax relief? Looking at Series A, what do you think we can do to make it more competitive?”

“Can you give us some examples of policy uncertainty?”

“Can I ask the panel how you would describe capital market conditions, and the struggles your members face in raising finance?”

“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…”

“Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for calling me to present a petition this evening on behalf of the constituents of Dudley. Despite the Conservative council pledging funding in a public question and answer session in April, the Sycamore Adventure Centre is due to be privatised, with a risk of a hike in entrance fees. T…”

“What targeted policy areas do you want to see the Government implement to make it more attractive for venture capitalists to come in? I particularly want to speak about women, because only 2% of venture capital goes to women, as well as looking at under-represented minorities such as those with disabilities and those w…”

“The Committee has already highlighted some of the evidence that the UK’s financial mobilisation lags behind our international peers in terms of public sector investment and crowding in private capital. What lessons do you think we could learn from places such as Singapore?”

“What about the long-term solutions?”

“Allen, there are 79,000 vacancies in the food and accommodation industry in the UK. First, can you tell me the impact of the high vacancy rates in hospitality? Secondly, can you give me two short-term solutions and two long-term solutions?”