Trio of pro-Remain MPs from Wolverhampton and Stafford bags roles on Brexit committee

Three Midlands MPs, representing Wolverhampton and Stafford, will oversee Brexit negotiations as part of an influential Commons watchdog.

Wolverhampton MPs Pat McFadden and Emma Reynolds – both Remain campaigners – will sit on the Brexit select committee that will hold the government to account as Britain moves to leave the European Union.

They will be joined by fellow pro-Remainer, Stafford's Tory MP Jeremy Lefroy.

They will closely monitor and scrutinise the work of the Department for Exiting the European Union which is headed by Brexit Secretary David Davis.

Labour MPs Mr McFadden and Ms Reynolds have vowed to stand up for Wolverhampton and the city's interests in their new roles.

Ms Reynolds, who represents Wolverhampton North East, said: "I campaigned to remain in the EU but I accept the result of the referendum and my priority now is to get the best deal for the UK. The process of leaving will be complicated, sensitive and lengthy.

"It is very rare for a city like Wolverhampton to have two MPs on a committee like this. We will work to stand up for Wolverhampton.

"I know that many voters have concerns about immigration. At the same time we also need the best possible economic deal with European countries to continue to attract international companies like JLR and UTC which are investing in Wolverhampton and creating jobs. My priority will be to do everything possible to secure the best deal, hold the government to account, and mitigate the economic impact of Brexit on those on low and middle incomes."

Mr McFadden, who represents Wolverhampton South East, said: "I am pleased to be elected on to the committee. There is now a lot of work to do to scrutinise the government's approach to this over such big issues as trade, investment, free movement of people and all the other issues Brexit represents for the country's future."

It is understood that Mr McFadden and Ms Reynolds topped the voting among Labour MPs.

Stafford's Conservative MP Mr Lefroy has vowed to get the best deal for the country and his constituents.

He told the Express & Star: "I'm pleased to have won the confidence of fellow Conservative MPs.

"My job is now to work constructively on the committee for the long term good of the UK and our citizens.

"It will be complex and demanding work but it is vital that it is done properly."

His election to the committee came after he urged the Prime Minister Theresa May at Prime Minister's Questions this week to recognise the importance of free trade as Britain looks to leave the EU.

He cited General Electric's new factory and research centre in Stafford as a major benefactor of tariff-free trade.

South Staffordshire MP and Government Chief Whip Gavin Williamson, who set up the committee's structure, said: "In Wolverhampton, the Black Country, and Staffordshire we had some of the highest Leave votes in the country and to have so many MPs from those areas represented on the committee working to make leaving the EU a success is fantastic.

"This committee will have a very influential role on policy and in making sure the government delivers what the people want from Brexit."

The committee will be chaired by Labour MP Hilary Benn.