Dudley MP, Ian Austin, has called for a debate in Parliament on the need to bring new high-tech industries and highly skilled jobs to area like the Black Country.

Austin asked Andrea Leadsom MP, the Leader of the House of Commons, for a debate on new technology so he could set out the case for an Institute of Technology and High-Tech Campus in the heart of Dudley to provide more apprenticeships, skills and better paid secure jobs in the area.

He wants to see the development of low carbon technology, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, autonomous vehicles, very light rail, computing and software development in Dudley so that the area can benefit from the jobs this would bring.

Austin has previously worked closely with Dudley College on the development on new manufacturing buildings in the town centre, and has previously met with Government Ministers to build support for the College’s plans for an Institute of Technology. Mr Austin said:

“One of the best ways of bringing new industries and new jobs to replace the ones we’ve lost in the Black Country over the last few decades is to back an Institute of Technology and High-Tech Manufacturing campus in the heart of Dudley. 

“Technology is going to change our lives and the whole world faster than ever before. There'll be massive growth and lots of well-paid jobs in new hi-tech industries over the next 20 years.

“We can't prevent these changes. The only choice is whether we are going to benefit from them or be victims of them and this is why we have to make education and skills the number one priority in Dudley.

“I hope the Government does call a debate on this so I can set out the case for Dudley to be at the forefront of these changes in the Black Country”