Sonia Kumar, a British Labour Party politician, has represented Dudley in Parliament since 2024. Before her political career, she worked as an NHS physiotherapist. Speaking to Asian Voice, Sonia discusses her journey into politics, being ethnic minority and much more.
What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?
I wasn’t initially involved in politics; I’m an NHS physiotherapist and worked at the Guest Hospital in Dudley. During my time there, I grew frustrated as I realised we couldn't refer patients to essential services like orthopaedics, rheumatology, pain clinics, or mental health support due to long waiting lists. I began to see that the system wasn’t functioning properly, and that was a turning point for me.
As a frontline worker, I felt it was important to understand the issues and concerns at the grassroots level to create policies that truly reflect the needs of the people. The NHS is full of capable individuals with immense goodwill, but when the services around us aren't in place, it becomes impossible to provide the care we want to give. This is where the workforce struggles, as we’re not able to recruit effectively, and that’s a systemic issue.
On a personal level, my biggest inspiration comes from the women in my family—my mom and my sister. They have always been my guiding force, supporting me in my political journey and always reminding me that women can achieve anything. My mom’s advice has always been, "Don’t let defeat stop you." Their strength has been a constant source of motivation for me.
As a member of an ethnic minority community, how do you feel your background influences your approach to policy-making and your work in Parliament?
Growing up above my parents' greengrocer shop, I was deeply influenced by their dedication to community service and the importance of giving back. As a Sikh, I embrace the values of selfless service and compassion, which have guided me throughout my career as a physiotherapist and now as a Member of Parliament. These principles have shaped my approach to patient care and my commitment to serving the community.
Being an ethnic minority is just one aspect of who I am. I don't let it define me; instead, I celebrate the diverse roles I play—as a woman, a physiotherapist, an NHS worker, and a politician. My family instilled in me the importance of embracing all facets of my identity and contributing meaningfully to society.
As a Member of Parliament, I am dedicated to promoting equality and social justice, core values of Sikhism. My focus is on addressing healthcare disparities, especially among women and ethnic minorities, to ensure equitable access to quality care. Inspired by a desire to make a tangible difference, I strive to break down barriers so all communities receive the attention they deserve. Representing Dudley, I am proud to serve our diverse and vibrant community, believing that by embracing our differences and working together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Many voters supported Labour, but concerns have arisen over policy reversals on winter fuel payments, tax hikes, and recent gift scandals. Do you believe the public would still trust Labour if another election were held?
As a government committed to transformative change, we have a proud history of lifting individuals out of poverty and reducing unemployment. Our previous tenure saw over 600,000 children and one million pensioners lifted out of poverty, alongside the introduction of the child tax credit, providing increased financial support to parents.
However, meaningful change requires time, especially when addressing the substantial £22 billion financial deficit we inherited. Just as households must prioritize essential expenses during challenging times, we are meticulously reviewing budgets to ensure that our investments yield the most significant impact.
Our government is dedicated to revitalising the National Health Service (NHS) and enhancing education. In the Autumn Budget 2024, we allocated an additional £25.7 billion to the NHS over two years—the most significant increase since 2010, excluding COVID-19 periods. This investment aims to reduce waiting times by facilitating an extra 40,000 elective appointments weekly. In education, we are implementing free breakfast clubs in every primary school to ensure children start their day with a nutritious meal. However, schools have expressed concerns that the allocated 60p per pupil per day may be insufficient, potentially impacting teaching budgets. While these initiatives mark significant progress, we recognise ongoing challenges. Our goal is to position the UK as the fastest-growing G7 country, which requires substantial investments in infrastructure, robust trade agreements, and fostering innovation to enhance our global competitiveness.
The journey to rectify years of underfunding and systemic issues is complex and cannot be resolved overnight. Nonetheless, our dedication to implementing policies that promote equity and provide a solid foundation for all citizens remains steadfast. Our ultimate goal is to leave the nation in a more prosperous and equitable state than when we assumed office.
