No-deal Brexit would be "damaging" for the West Midlands, mayor tells Boris Johnson
Mayor Andy Street has warned Boris Johnson a no-deal Brexit would be "damaging" for the West Midlands as he set out his priorities for the region from the new Government.
The new Prime Minister has ramped up the rhetoric over a no-deal Brexit since taking office but Conservative mayor Mr Street said the "evidence is clear" it would not be good for the region.
The mayor also listed policing, infrastructure, health and housing as areas where he wanted to see investment in the West Midlands from the Johnson Government.
The prospect of a no-deal Brexit appear to have increased with the Prime Minister insisting Britain will exit the EU by the end of October come what may. Michael Gove has also been tasked with planning for a no-deal Brexit.
But Mr Street said: "We must honour the decision of the British people on Brexit and back the new Government’s efforts to secure a better deal for our nation and region, as the evidence is clear that a no deal would be damaging to our manufacturing and exporting region."
Despite his fears over Brexit, Mr Street said "British politics has been re-energised by Boris Johnson" and that since stepping into Number 10 his "words have brought a sense of optimism that engages people".
He said he had been buoyed by pledges on police numbers and HS2.
Mr Street said: "We all know that crime, violence and anti-social behaviour have ruined too many lives here. So, I warmly welcome the Prime Minister's pledge to recruit an additional 20,000 police officers, and was pleased that he chose to come here, to the West Midlands, to reinforce that commitment.
"Our communities want to feel safe and live crime free – this is the first test of Government. These extra officers will go a long way to making that happen.
"There is now the prospect of a game-changing investment in our public transport infrastructure. The PM talks of doing for city regions what he did for London - that’s music to our ears.
"HS2 plays a central role in this too - not as a competitor for investment but as a driver of it. A re-commitment to it, possibly alongside the Leeds to Manchester high speed line is essential to raise our productivity, ignite our regions and keep us competitive on the world stage."
Mr Street also called for greater devolution to give more power to the region, and to continue support for the NHS.
He said: "The commitment to our NHS is vital, building on that of the previous Government – and that means getting key projects like the new Midland Metropolitan Hospital in Sandwell completed. It also means exploiting technology to prevent disease and as the country’s 5G tested we stand ready to lead that charge."
