A Keele University graduate has spoken of his pride at championing the West Midlands in North America following the announcement of a trade deal between the US and the UK.

Oliver Christian, who graduated from Keele with a degree in International Relations & Philosophy in 2008, is currently His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for North America and His Majesty's Consul General to New York.

The Government said the automotive sector in the West Midlands is set to benefit from new trade deals with the US - and India - that slashes tariffs, boosts access to the world's fastest growing economy and delivers opportunities for major job creators in the region like Jaguar Land Rover to grow.

Oliver said: "As a Keele University graduate, I'm proud to be championing the UK and the West Midlands in North America, especially at such a crucial time.

"The US is one of the West Midlands' biggest export destinations. Over half of those exports come from the automotive industry, with some of the UK's most well-known car manufacturers based in the area including Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin.

"The deal we have negotiated will cut tariffs on cars from 27.5% to 10% for 100,000 vehicles every year, saving millions for carmakers in the region and protecting thousands of jobs."

Oliver has 15 years' experience in Government, having worked in trade, investment, business, regulation and security, across several Departments, and represented the UK in its diplomatic missions overseas. He was previously Head of the Prime Minister's Business Unit in Downing Street, serving four Prime Ministers from 2019 to 2023.