Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what consideration has been given to the West Midlands and Birmingham as an early Regional Health Innovation Zone.

Regional Health Innovation Zones will be selected using a fair and open bidding process.

Initially, two to three regions with strong existing life sciences assets, including data assets, research infrastructure, Health Innovation Networks, industry footprints, and local government support, and a clear plan for how to use the designation will be selected as trailblazers.

Further information on the process and timelines for how regions can secure zone designation will be shared in due course, once finalised, to ensure a fair and transparent opportunity for all interested areas.