Following a meeting between the Metro Mayor Dan Norris and the Prime Minister last Friday, 15th October, Mr Norris said: “It was important to meet the Prime Minister. I explained our rich heritage from Brunel to Concorde, and our present day prowess in innovation and cultural industries.

“He will be going away knowing that the West of England is amazing! And to make sure the PM doesn’t forget us, I gave him a cuddly Shaun the Sheep (from world famous Bristol-based Aardman Animation) for his and his wife’s new baby on the way.

“We talked about the great strengths of the region, including quantum computing, where local scientists are world beating and how crucial it is for Britain to get our own quantum computer. I raised the issue of electric car manufacturing, where Government commitments could help secure significant investment locally. I also thanked him for the vote of confidence in giving us half a billion pounds to improve regional public transport.

“I’m very much up for the challenge of more responsibility and would welcome additional powers to be able to deliver as effectively as possible.

“The Prime Minister and I come from very different political backgrounds, but it is essential we build a good working relationship which will benefit the West of England and Great Britain PLC.”