DUDLEY North MP Ian Austin has spoken of his delight at being appointed as Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Israel.

The Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy programme is an unpaid and voluntary cross-party network of MPs who support the UK’s ambitious trade and investment agenda in global markets.

Mr Austin, who quit Labour earlier this year to become an independent MP, said of his role: “Trade with Israel is worth billions to Britain, it has resulted in investment and jobs in businesses across the UK, including here in the Black Country and in Dudley too.

“I’m looking forward to working with the Department for Trade and the brilliant team at our embassy in Israel who are working so hard to help British companies in Israel.”