A pledge by Theresa May to boost economic growth in Britain's regions is to get into gear with a £35m Government investment in the car industry in the West Midlands.

Nearly 3,000 skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs will be created in a new business zone at Whitley near Coventry, and there will also be new investment in roads in the region.

The jobs boost comes after the Prime Minister pledged during the Chequers Cabinet meeting to do more to foster economic growth and industrial development in regions up and down the country.

The investment will also improve transport links on the A45, including a new bridge to connect Whitley South to the existing Jaguar Land Rover engineering centre and global headquarters.

Mrs May joined Chancellor Philip Hammond in Coventry, where they were given a tour of new research and innovation facilities at Warwick University, and also visited Jaguar Land Rover.


Image: The Prime Minister says Brexit will give British businesses the chance to find new markets and opportunities around the world

"This country has always been one of the greatest trading nations," she said during the visit, "and as we leave the European Union we will have the opportunity to embrace new markets and opportunities as we export British innovation and expertise to the world.

"I am determined to make the most of the opportunities Brexit presents - delivering the change that people want and striking the right deal for British businesses at home and abroad."

The new 24-hectare business zone, known as the Whitley South Infrastructure Project, will open up new growth opportunities for local manufacturers and businesses in the supply chain from next year, creating highly skilled engineering and advanced manufacturing jobs, according to the Government.

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Announcing the investment, Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: "Our world-class auto sector is leading the way and this new development will create thousands more skilled jobs. It shows how the private and public sector can work together to make a difference to the economy."

Business minister Margot James said: "The resurgence of advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry in the West Midlands is a real success story.

"It's vital we maintain this momentum and keep creating high-skilled jobs and don't let any opportunity slip through our fingers.

"Today's £35m investment unlocks land that will help to cement the region as a leading destination for investment."