Why the West Midlands will benefit more from Trump trade deal than anywhere else - by mayor Richard Parker
The elected mayor for the West Midlands has hailed the Government's trade deal with the United States, saying it will open up opportunities for business in the region.
Richard Parker said the West Midlands would benefit more than any other area of the country from the deal, as it was Britain's biggest exporter to the US.
Companies in the West Midlands exported goods and services totalling £8.46 billion to the American market last year, with Jaguar Land Rover among the biggest players.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chose the West Midland car manufacturer to announce the deal on Thursday.
Mr Parker said: “The deal between the UK and the United States is a significant moment, and nowhere is better placed to benefit than the West Midlands.
"We make things the world wants, from electric vehicles and precision engineering to digital innovation and health tech.
"This deal means fewer barriers for our businesses and more opportunities to sell to the world’s biggest economy."
Mr Parker said it was crucial that the Government acted quickly, in the wake of the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump last month.
The deal would save thousands of jobs that had been put at risk, he said.
"West Midlands firms have been clear with me, they wanted a deal and they needed speed," said Mr Parker.
"I’m pleased to see the Government act quickly to get this done.
"This is a moment to back our strengths, back our exporters and show that regions like the West Midlands are vital to the UK’s future success. We’re open for business and ready to lead the way."
