Working hard for Stratford and Bow
Welcome to my website – I’m Uma Kumaran and I’m the Member of Parliament for Stratford and Bow.
Meet Uma
About me: I was born in East London, I’ve lived in Stratford and in Bow, I’ve studied here and now I’m so proud to represent the community here. I ran to be your MP because I want to be your voice, on your side at the heart of government; and to give back to the place that means so much to me.
14 years of Tory austerity had a huge impact on our communities and our country. But I know the difference Labour in power can make. From creating our NHS to providing free school meals to workers’ rights – it’s a Labour Government that delivered life changing policies for millions of people in Britain. As your voice in Westminster, working with this Labour Government, I’ll always stand up for you and deliver for you and your family.
My story: The story of East London is a tapestry of cultures and communities. My own parents lived in Tower Hamlets and then Newham when they first came to Britain over 40 years ago. Their story is one of hope and perseverance – it’s one I have grown up knowing all my life – guiding my values in all I do. They came to Britain fleeing pogroms in Sri Lanka in search of safety, with the hope and aspiration for a better tomorrow. Britain offered them and many Tamils special refuge and safety, to rebuild their lives and start again free from the fear of persecution.
Their story is part of Britain’s story. It’s part of my story. And it’s a story that can be found in every corner of Stratford and Bow and in every part of Britain. From Kindertransport, to the windrush generation, to Bengali migrants, to homes for Ukraine – we have a proud history of helping those in need. I am determined to give back and to create the life chances that make it possible for all children in Stratford and Bow to succeed – no matter what their start in life and to make Stratford and Bow the best place to live, work and invest in.
My work in parliament: Before entering Parliament, I worked internationally to advance bolder climate action, as the Director of Diplomatic and International Relations at a global climate organisation. I worked with mayors and cities around the world, the United Nations, civil society and trade unions to push for stronger, more ambitious action to counter the threat of climate change. In Parliament, I carry this work forward as the Vice Chair of the All Party Group [APPG] on International conservation, the Vice Chair of PRASEG the APPG on renewable and sustainable energy, the Co-chair of the APPG on Waterways and a member of the APPGs on Climate and Environment.
I am an elected member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee using my international experience to hold our government’s foreign policy to account, to ask the tough questions and to do my part to make sure that Britain’s role on a global stage is one we can be proud of.
I have been appointed by the Prime Minister as a member of the UK-EU Parliamentary Assembly, taking my voice to Brussels and pushing forward on closer ties and friendship between the UK and Europe, advocating for youth mobility and better trading relationship. I am also on the board of Best for Britain’s Trade and Business commission, a group working to strengthen trade of our nations and regions with the EU.
I am a Labour MP because my values are Labour values.
I was born in the NHS and have worked for the NHS. I've spent most of my working life in public service, from working with the UN and global climate advocates to tackle climate change, to helping London's Mayor deliver life-changing policies like free school meals and new council homes.
Stratford and Bow has a rich history of activism from the East London Federation of Suffragettes, the Match Girls’ strike to Labour titans Keir Hardie, Clement Atlee and Lansbury. I pledged to honour their work and legacy and to take forward values that run deep in the foundations of our part of East London.
I promise to be your voice in Westminster, to stand up for fairness, for peace and hope. I’ll always fight for you.
Get Involved
Get Involved
I’m often contacted by local residents who are keen to volunteer their time to support the work I'm doing as your Member of Parliament. As a new parliamentary seat, I'm keen to engage with volunteers whether your first time or your 100th. Please let me know if you'd like to get involved and/or display a poster by completing this form.