Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East and Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has welcomed the progress towards setting up the West Midlands Combined Authority announced today in Coventry.

“This is major step forward that could attract hundreds of millions of pounds of investment to the region. It will bring greater opportunities and jobs to Wolverhampton and the wider region, and help rebalance the national economy.

“Labour has been calling at a national and local level for the devolution of greater power and resources and this paves the way for that to happen. The Government must now move swiftly to devolve power and resources in areas like housing, transport, skills and employment.

“I congratulate all the councils involved but particularly the Labour leaders who have led the way in bringing together the councils in our region.”

Emma has also written a blog for the Huffington Post, which you can read here: Labour Is Calling for a More Ambitious & Comprehensive Devolution Agenda to Every Part of the Country.