Richard Parker

🌈❤️A great day for Pride ❤️🌈 This festival has shone in Birmingham for nearly thirty years, and its message is just as important as it has ever been. Perhaps even more so in the current climate. It’s our different communities that make us what we are. We all deserve to feel seen, and be represented.

Building on our rich heritage to develop the future of the region’s rail through new stations and investment.

For years, places like Washwood Heath were left behind. Now we’re bringing investment, skilled jobs and opportunity back into the heart of the West Midlands. More than 1,500 jobs. A historic industrial site brought back into use. And long-term growth for local communities.

A fantastic Vaisakhi celebration in Smethwick today. The West Midlands is stronger because of the communities and cultures that make this region what it is. Proud to be Mayor for every part of our region.

I’m backing the Birmingham Balti to be given UNESCO protected status. When you think of the Balti you think of Birmingham - and I think that’s something to be proud of, protected, and internationally recognised.

Opening five new stations, freezing fares, and taking rail back into public ownership. The ways we are making transport better for West Midlands communities were the focus of our discussion as Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, joined me on a visit to Kings Heath station.

I’m committed to helping the next generation into rewarding careers. At Freightliner I saw the enormous size and scale of the logistics sector and the vital role it plays in the West Midlands. Working with partners like Generation Logistics unlocks these kinds of jobs for young people.

Last night I visited the Ramadan Streets event @birminghamcityfc.bsky.social and highly recommend it. In only its second year it’s fast becoming part of the community calendar. Events like this show what our football clubs can be at their best - places that bring the whole community together.

I'm proud to be working with people like Steven who tell the stories from, and about, where we live. As he says, the stories that come from the West Midlands are as valid as anywhere else in the world - and I champion all the creative people working hard to put our region on the map.

I’m so proud to see #PeakyBlinders: The Immortal Man premiere in the #WestMidlands. It’s a homecoming in more than one way. It was filmed here, produced here, and written by a good friend to me and the region, Steven Knight. Wishing all those involved with the premiere all the best of luck.

I’m halfway through my trade mission to India. Here’s my update on what I’ve been doing so far for the people of the West Midlands.

I’m investing £75 million in training up 12,000 young people so that they can get access to jobs or become apprentices. Apprentices like Joe, Freddie, and Aimee at Seddon who I met recently at the Millennium Centre project in Friar Park.

Our high streets need backing. I’m funding a Street Food Incubator Pilot at Herbert’s Yard with Digbeth Dining Club and the Nationwide Caterers Association - giving local traders the skills and support to grow from first stall to first shop. That’s how we grow our night time economy.

This week I enjoyed two wonderful days with His Excellency, Hiroshi Suzuki. Paddington, Peaky Blinders, and strengthening Birmingham-Japan ties.

I was delighted to celebrate the start of Chinese New Year with my old friend, James Wong. Following my recent trip to China, I was keen to ask him what #ChineseNewYear meant to him - as we start the Year of the Fire Horse.

Last week, I joined Skills Minister Jacqui Smith at Xcelerate with Edgbaston, a fantastic hub helping young people gain real experience in hospitality. We met Kundai, a Commis Chef, who trained through our Path 2 Apprenticeship programme. By investing in our youth, we're investing in our future.

The sleeves-rolled up community spirit in Birmingham won’t make headlines. But it’s the backbone of this region, I’m proud of it and I wish the media would spend a little more time talking about it.

I visited the WMG Academy for Young Engineers, where they are taking a career-focused approach to education. That means young people aren't just learning, they are preparing themselves for the world of work. Students like Obi-Omar are excelling and have bright futures ahead of them.

Our region is leading the way in battery technology – a visit to Global Nano Network in Coventry proved that! 🔋 They’re creating high-performance batteries while cutting waste and costs. Backing these projects is key to growing our economy and creating high-quality green jobs.

The very first West Midlands Business Festival had it all. 97 events, 3,500 attendees and 1,500 businesses celebrated innovation, growth and collaboration. Next stop, Venturefest.

Inspiring to meet England kabaddi players Harry and Sally, both from Wolverhampton, ahead of the 2025 World Cup. I'll be watching as this year's tournament is held outside Asia for the first time - right here in the West Midlands. C'mon England! Make the West Midlands proud.

Great to visit Stirchley with @alcarns.bsky.social today. The community here will be their own landlords. This co-op shows what happens when people have power over their own homes. Safety, security, fairness, and pride in where they live. We need more of this. 🏡 @coopparty.party.coop

I’m excited to open the first-ever WM Business Festival. With 2000 local businesses joining to learn more about AI, innovation, sustainability and more - there's something to help everyone grow 👋 The West Midlands means business.