Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what recent discussions he has had with the West Midlands Mayor on the effect on the economy of the West Midlands of the UK leaving the EU.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Robin Walker, has attended a series of roundtables hosted by the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street CBE. These were very positive meetings where the Minister met with representatives from the manufacturing, life sciences and university sectors.

The Government is committed to positive and productive engagement with all the regional Mayors. The Combined Authorities are an important regional stakeholder and we value the productive relationship we have built with their mayors since their election in May.

We are working closely with them and other stakeholders from around the UK to understand the potential impact and opportunities presented by EU exit.