Business of the House

Sonia Kumar Excerpts

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Lord Timpson is a truly excellent Prisons Minister. I do not know the detail of what may have gone wrong in this case, but I will certainly draw the hon. Gentleman’s concerns to his attention.

[Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)]

I had the pleasure of visiting the newly opened Pens Meadow SEND school in Dudley. That fantastic and long-awaited school has transformed opportunities for local children, families and staff, and stands as a testament to the vision of the headteacher, Marie Hunter. Will the Leader of the House join me in welcoming the school and thanking Marie and her team, and will he grant time for a debate on improving SEND provision in the Black Country?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that matter. We will reform the SEND system, because we need to transform the life chances of every child with additional needs. We have already committed £4 billion to make every mainstream school in England an inclusive school. I join her in welcoming Marie Hunter and all of the staff at the new Pens Meadow school. I have just announced that there will be a debate on SEND on the first day back after the Easter recess, and I hope that my hon. Friend can make her case then.