Launch of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the West Midlands Website

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the West Midlands is delighted to announce the launch of its dedicated parliamentary website. The site will serve as a central hub for the Group’s work, providing updates on our activities, inquiries, and events, as well as opportunities for engagement with parliamentarians, stakeholders, and partners across the region.

Commenting on the launch, Chair of the APPG, Dave Robertson MP, said:

“It’s great to have the APPG website up and running: MPs and our advisory board have big plans for the region, and the website will bring all of our work in Parliament and in our communities together in one place.”

About the APPG for the West Midlands

For those less familiar with our work, the APPG for the West Midlands was formally established on 18 December 2024 and officially constituted at its Inaugural Meeting on 25 February 2025.

That inaugural meeting brought together MPs and Peers from across the West Midlands, reflecting a shared, cross-party commitment to championing the region and the communities they represent. The Group was established with a clear and unified purpose:

“To promote the West Midlands as an economic and academic powerhouse, and to highlight the region’s crucial role in the UK economy, ensuring all areas - both inside and outside the Combined Authority - receive equal representation.”

This mission underpins all of the APPG’s work and continues to guide its priorities.

Following a strong and successful start, the APPG marked the departure of its former Chair, Shaun Davies MP, and Vice Chair, Leigh Ingham MP, after their appointments to Government. The Group is extremely grateful for their leadership, commitment, and continued support for the APPG’s objectives.

To ensure continuity and momentum, an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) was held in October. At this meeting, Dave Robertson MP was elected as Chair, supported by Sir Andrew Mitchell MP, Antonia Bance MP, and Laurence Turner MP in officer roles.

Since their appointment, the new leadership team has already made a significant impact, working collaboratively to drive forward the APPG’s ambitions and strengthen its parliamentary voice.

Expert Advisory Board

The APPG’s work is supported by a dedicated Expert Advisory Board (EAB), whose contribution is central to the Group’s effectiveness and credibility.

The EAB is an external body made up of industry leaders, academics, and business and community stakeholders from across the West Midlands. Drawing expertise from key sectors - including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and the creative industries - the Board provides strategic insight, evidence, and challenge to inform the APPG’s parliamentary activity and policy development.

The Advisory Board is structured around four core workstreams:

• Infrastructure

• Growth & Investment

• Culture, Place & Liveability

• Education, Skills & Apprenticeships

Through these workstreams, the EAB helps ensure that the APPG’s work is grounded in regional expertise and aligned with the opportunities and challenges facing the West Midlands.

The Impact of the APPG

The APPG held a high-profile parliamentary Summer event at the University of Birmingham. This was attended by Government Ministers, the Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, and a wide range of regional and national stakeholders. Since then, the APPG has expanded its parliamentary membership by 10 additional MPs and Peers, grown its social media following, and strengthened its profile as a key forum for championing the West Midlands in Parliament.

2026 and Beyond

The APPG for the West Midlands is committed to an ambitious programme of work over the year ahead. Planned activity includes:

• A major inquiry and call for evidence into regional cultural provision

• Ministerial roundtables on key regional priorities

• Parliamentary receptions and stakeholder engagement events

• A series of initiatives to promote the West Midlands as a leading region for growth, innovation, and opportunity

Through this programme, the APPG will continue to highlight the West Midlands’ importance on the national stage and ensure the region’s voice is heard at the heart of Westminster.

Please Engage with Us

The new website provides further information about the APPG’s work, including news updates, inquiries, and opportunities to engage. It also serves as the primary point of contact for those wishing to learn more about the Expert Advisory Board, upcoming events, or the Group’s wider activities.

The APPG’s ambitious programme is coordinated by its Secretariat, CalComms, which works closely with parliamentarians, stakeholders, and partners to maximise the Group’s influence and reach. For all enquiries, partnership opportunities, or to engage with the APPG’s work, please contact the Group Secretariat at james@calcomms.co.uk.

We look forward to working with parliamentarians, stakeholders, and partners to continue championing the West Midlands.