Mark Garnier, MP for Wyre Forest, met with Treasury minister Mark Hoban, yesterday, to discuss the West Midlands economy in light of the forthcoming Budget. The meeting was organised by Mark in his capacity as co-chair of the All Party Group for the Economy of the West Midlands.
Issues that were discussed in the meeting included ways to improve local infrastructure, regeneration of West Midland towns and cities, business access to capital and ways of capitalising on the possibility of an extended runway at Birmingham Airport. Mark was also joined by other West Midland MPs including Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, Paul Uppal, MP for Wolverhampton South West and James Morris, MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis.
After the meeting Mark said: “The purpose of this meeting was to articulate what we believe to be the priorities for the economy of the West Midlands. As a local MP and co chairman of the APPG it is my responsibility to make sure ministers are aware of the most pressing issues facing our area. This is particularly important as the date of the Budget approaches.
“This meeting is all part of an ongoing process of raising the profile of the West Midlands and its integral role within the country.”