Question to the Prime Minister?

James Morris.

Mr. Mr. Speaker, this morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others.

In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today.

James Morris. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In the black country, in the West Midlands, we are very proud of our long industrial

heritage.

We are also very proud of the recent revival in the fortunes of the black country with new

jobs and investment in the local economy.

Would the Prime Minister agree with me that one of the ways to create

an economy that works for everyone is to further devolve powers and funding to the West Midlands

to drive investment and to combine that with the strong leadership and vision that only Andy

Street can provide as a Conservative candidate for West Midlands, Mayor. Right, right.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My honourable friend speaks up well for the black country, and I'm pleased to echo his comments

about the economic growth in the West Midlands. Since 2010, we've seen over 220,000 more jobs

in the region, 55,000 more new businesses in the

region. But he's right. The devolution deal is important. It's the biggest, it's the

deal that is being done for the West Midlands. Part of that is crucially the election of a

directly elected mayor. And I think Andy Street with both his

local knowledge and his business experience will drive economic growth.

Jeremy Corbyn.

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