Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi participated in a Westminster Hall debate this morning on the Midlands Engine, a strategy for which will be launched by the Department for Communities and Local Government in the coming weeks. The debate was led by Warwick and Leamington MP, Chris White.

In the debate, Mr Zahawi agreed with the concept of a strategy that is tailored to suit the interests of the West Midlands specifically, and that the Government’s target of delivering three million more apprenticeships by 2020 would complement the Midlands Engine.

Intervening in the debate, Mr Zahawi said:

“Clearly as a West Midlands MP, I completely agree that we should speak with one voice, and that we are one region.

“The Government’s agenda to deliver three million apprenticeships by 2020 is to be commended because that is probably the biggest benefit to our region for manufacturing”.

Commenting after the debate, Mr Zahawi said:

“Apprenticeships play a huge role in delivering this country’s skills base, particularly in a region such as the West Midlands where certain areas exhibit severe skills shortages. The West Midlands is lucky enough to have some fantastic providers of high-skilled apprenticeships, with Jaguar Land Rover coming to mind as an example of but one provider based in Warwickshire. I look forward to seeing the provisions made in the forthcoming Midlands Engine Strategy for skills, and for apprenticeships in particular”.