Prime Minister makes his first visit to the Black Country
He visited the Black Country Living Museum this afternoon
Last updated 24th Mar 2023
The Prime Minister visited the West Midlands today (Friday) to speak to local councillors and MP's ahead of the local elections.
He came to the Black Country Living Museum where he greeted groups of excited school children and even tried the famous Black Country chips.
We asked Mr Sunak about the rising knife crime incidents in the region, and what his plan was to tackle this, after the tragic deaths of Cody Fisher, Bailey Atkinson and Akeem Francis-Kerr.
He said: "We are putting more police officers on the street and more importantly we are giving them more powers including stop and search. Lastly, tougher sentences for people who are taking part in these hideous crimes, that are tragically impacting young people in particular."
The Prime Minster also spoke about the on going bus strikes in the West Midlands: "I'm pleased there does seem to be the prospect of these strikes ending relatively quickly. My understanding is the unions have recommended that offer to their members and I hope they accept that and end the disruption that is being caused and has impacted lots of people's day to day lives.
"And that's the right thing. These disputes are ones where employers and their employees need to come through them and work together and I'm glad that looks like it's about to happen."