PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
West Midlands Combined Authority - 6 September 2023 (Commons/Commons Chamber)

I rise to present this petition, which mirrors the “Warwickshire, Let’s not be Run by Brum” e-petition that I launched on my website in July 2023, currently signed by just under 1,000 people. It reflects widespread public concern about the proposals made by the west midlands Mayor Andy Street and the Conservative leader of Warwickshire County Council to annex Warwickshire and to include it under the West Midlands Combined Authority ahead of next May’s west midlands mayoral elections, which would be tantamount to naked gerrymandering. The petitioners therefore request that

“the House of Commons urges the Government to ensure that Warwickshire County Council is not absorbed into the West Midlands Combined Authority.”

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The petition of residents of Warwick and Leamington,

Declares that Warwickshire residents do not wish to join the West Midlands Combined Authority; further declares that that any discussions held between the West Midlands Combined Authority and Warwickshire County Council should be held openly and transparently; and that a referendum is held so the public can have their say on any proposed plans.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to ensure that Warwickshire County Council is not absorbed into the West Midlands Combined Authority.

And the petitioners remain, etc.]

[P002845]