Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department had discussions with the West Midlands Combined Authority prior to the visit to China by the Mayor of the West Midlands.

My department, with officials from FCDO, directly supported a number of Combined Authority leaders on this visit to China, which included the Mayor of the West Midlands. The programme focused on strengthening growth across regions to enhance investment and diplomatic relationships. Economic growth and investment remain a fundamental priority for this Government, and we will continue to support regional mayors and our nations to forge global relationships with investors and businesses to promote the UKs investment credentials.