Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy 2025, published on 23 June 2025, which sectors in the West Midlands he consulted with during the development of the Industrial Strategy.

The government engaged widely throughout the development of the Industrial Strategy, including with businesses, business representation organisations, and trade unions.

In the West Midlands, this included roundtables and discussions with businesses, engagement with the Midlands Engine Partnership, written consultation on our Green Paper Invest 2035 and close working with the West Midlands Mayoral Strategic Authority to understand the strengths and barriers to growth in the region. Additionally, the department's regionally based teams sought input from SME businesses across a range of sectors.

We will continue engaging widely throughout Industrial Strategy implementation.