On Wednesday I joined a cross-party delegation of MPs, City Council leaders and business representatives from Birmingham to meet with the Prime Minister.
We wanted to talk to him about some of the challenges Birmingham faces – and also the opportunities they present. Issues like how we attract inward investment, how we build the transport infrastructure our region needs, how we develop skills and secure the jobs of the future.
And we wanted to call on the government to back Birmingham.
These are big issues for Birmingham. They are also big issues for the areas beyond, including North Warwickshire.
Just think of the Longbridge redevelopment. Making sure that is a success – in terms of transport links, skills, jobs and opportunities – will be important for people across Birmingham, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and beyond.
We had a positive meeting with the Prime Minister and we will now be deepening our dialogue with the government around the proposals we are putting forward.
But, as always, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. It is the actions that follow today’s meeting – by the City Council, businesses and other agencies – and the response from the government as more detailed proposals are made, that could make a real difference to the economy of Birmingham and the West Midlands.
On Wednesday the Prime Minister heard the voice of Birmingham, all three political parties and the business community. There was an eagerness to take forward an agenda that has the backing of the political parties, the business community and other agencies.
Working in partnership, I am sure there is great potential for the wider West Midlands in this “Team Birmingham” initiative.
Photo credit: Jas Sansi
This article was also published in today’s Bromsgrove Standard. You can read the newspaper online here.
