Michael asks the Prime Minister, on her last day of office, what assessment she has made of the West Midlands economy since its foundation
Prime Minister’s Questions today marked the last day Theresa May as Prime Minister. Michael Fabricant asked the following questions: (scroll below for the video)
Michael Fabricant: What assessment she has made of the economic performance of the region governed by the West Midlands Combined Authority since that authority’s formation; and if she will make a statement?
Prime Minister (Theresa May): I am sure my Honourable Friend will want to join me in saying how pleased I am with the economic growth we have seen in the West Midlands Combined Authorities area. Output has increased 27% over five years, productivity increased to twice the national rate last year, and employment has increased since 2011. The West Midlands Combined Authority shows precisely what a local, visible, innovative leadership can do, and how it can be the key to building a strong economy and a fairer society.
Michael Fabricant: With the Prime Minister’s active encouragement, the Mayor of the West Midlands was elected in May 2017, and she has supported him and the region ever since. Over £2 billion has been given to the region by the Prime Minister in the form of grants and guarantees for transport, and so many other worthwhile projects. So on behalf of the people of the West Midlands, may I thank her, and may I also ask that she continues in Parliament, as a strong advocate for local devolution?
Prime Minister: I remember the conversation I had with Andy Street, and I was encouraging him to stand for the mayoralty of the West Midlands, and I am very pleased that he did, and he has been delivering for the people of the West Midlands ever since his election. Can I also thank my Honourable Friend for highlighting the excellent work that we have done for the West Midlands, government working with that Combined Authority shows the benefits of the very local devolution that my Honourable Friend has referred to. And I think this is a very good example of what that innovative, visionary leadership can do at a local level in improving the lives of people.