'We've seen swift action'

THE Mayor of the West Midlands has welcomed the Prime Minister's decision to be more flexible on electric vehicle targets and increase support for the UK steel industry.

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Richard Parker directly called on Sir Keir Starmer to take urgent steps to protect West Midlands manufacturing from global pressures, most notably the imposition of US tariffs.

Mr Parker, who met with the Prime Minister twice recently, also announced funding packages to support businesses and the appointment of an expert to carry out an assessment on challenges industries face.

The West Midlands is the UK region most exposed to new US tariffs, due to its high concentration of advanced manufacturing and significant exports in the automotive industry - both in car production and the wider supply chain.