Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Midlands Engine Champion) joined fellow parliamentarians at the first Midlands Engine All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meeting of 2021.

Chaired by Darren Henry MP and Lord Ravensdale, the APPG met to discuss priorities for 2021 and were addressed by the Secretary of State who emphasised the importance of the Midlands Engine partnership to the Government’s ambition to level up the UK regions.

The Midlands Engine APPG is a collaboration of the region’s MPs and Peers, working together to raise the profile of the Midlands Engine, its projects and priorities in Parliament.

Robert Jenrick urged MPs and Peers to continue their strong support for the partnership and its work.

Midlands Engine Chairman Sir John Peace also addressed the meeting, on the subject of the Midlands UK Forum for Growth which the Midlands Engine hosted in November 2020 and ongoing ambitions regarding international trade.

Sir John in particular highlighted the exceptional investment opportunities showcased at the Forum For Growth which totalled £17.6 billion.

The virtual took place over three days and was attended by over 400 delegates and investors, both domestic and international, from as far afield as Japan, Kuwait, China, India and the UAE.

Speaking on the prospect of future events, Sir John Peace said:

The first Midlands UK Forum for Growth was a huge success, and we are exploring ways, in conjunction with colleagues in Government, as to how we can continue our work in the field of international trade over the coming months.

The Midlands Engine APPG will continue to meet throughout 2021, focusing on a series of important themes including transport, energy, the visitor economy and international trade.

In the formal business of the meeting, four new Vice-Chairs were appointed, including Baroness Burt of Solihull, Lord Taylor of Holbeach, Martin Vickers MP and Jane Stevenson MP.