Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what plans the Government has to ensure that the views of (a) the new West Midlands combined authority and (b) other such combined authorities are represented during negotiations on the UK leaving the EU.

We have pursued a wide-ranging programme of engagement, including two visits by DExEU Ministers to meet local businesses in the West Midlands, since the Department was created in order to build a national consensus around our negotiating position.

We are speaking to a wide range of organisations, including combined authorities, to establish their priorities and understand their concerns. These discussions will inform our negotiating position.

We will ensure that all views are reflected in the British Government's analysis of the priorities and opportunities for the UK as it exits the European Union.