House of Commons · Westminster Hall
22 July 2025 · 10 other contributors · 11,906 words
Opened by Antonia Bance Lab Tipton and Wednesbury
Responding minister: Alex Norris
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Antonia Bance raised concerns about black country day in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Calls for a modern industrial strategy that includes clean energy industries, highlighting recent investment of £45 million from Eku Energy for a battery storage facility in Tipton and Wednesbury.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The Black Country has a rich industrial heritage but faces challenges such as high unemployment rates, more sick people compared to other regions, and more children living without enough money. The legacy of deindustrialisation and austerity over the past decade and a half has held back progress in the region.
The hon. Member agrees with his colleague that the three trade deals secured by the Prime Minister earlier this year will benefit manufacturing in the Black Country, securing 34,000 jobs at Jaguar Land Rover. Praised Halesowen's historical significance in building the Titanic anchor and acknowledged the legacy of working-class women chainmakers who fought for fair wages.
Welcomes the West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker's new growth strategy, which identifies defence as a potential area of growth. She also supports targeted investment in defence manufacturing for job creation and economic benefit.
It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair today, Ms Vaz. Celebrates Black Country Day and acknowledges its rich cultural heritage.
Praised the Black Country's industrial heritage and highlighted several initiatives such as Repowering the Black Country project to support energy-intensive industries. He also mentioned the £1 billion transport funding for West Midlands combined authority and noted financial challenges faced by local authorities.
Congratulates the hon. Member on securing the debate, emphasising the importance of celebrating regional diversity across the United Kingdom.
Acknowledges the importance of celebrating the industrial heritage of both Strangford and the Black Country, highlighting similarities in their historical industrial bases and the challenges they face.
Highlights the cultural and industrial heritage of the Black Country, including its role in the Industrial Revolution and contributions to arts and sports. He advocates for reversing cuts to arts funding and ensuring opportunities in creative industries.
Joins in celebrating Black Country's unique traditions like orange chips, which have a secret ingredient that contributes to their distinctive taste.
Celebrated the heritage and culture of the Black Country, highlighting Wolverhampton's role in the industrial revolution. Highlighted the importance of local brands like Chubb in reflecting the community's contribution to industry.
The right hon. Member acknowledges the debate's significance and emphasizes the importance of highlighting the Black Country's rich industrial heritage, including coalmining, iron smelting, steel production, leather industry, and lorinery trade. Praised the contribution of the Black Country to industries such as leather production.
Government Response
Alex NorrisThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
We are determined to partner with the Black Country to drive growth and unlock investment through our industrial strategy, which identifies eight high-growth sectors present across the region. My commitment today is for a real cross-Government effort and a connection, through ourselves, to local growth. The Government has announced various initiatives including the advanced manufacturing sector plan, a £240 million growth mission fund, and a £1.5 billion neighbourhoods programme to tackle deprivation and turbocharge growth in 75 communities across the UK. The Mayor of the West Midlands became the first to publish their 10-year growth plan with our support. Additionally, there is funding for housing projects like Friar Park urban village and transport infrastructure such as the £295 million West Midlands Metro extension to Brierley Hill.