DEVOLUTION and the Northern Powerhouse were among key areas highlighted to drive forward the district’s economy at a high-powered business lunch.

Keighley MP John Grogan and his Shipley counterpart Philip Davies were among those who addressed the event, in Bradford, organised by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

And they and other district MPs present faced tough questions from the audience.

Topics covered ranged from maintaining the district’s business start-up rate to Brexit and international trade.

Bradford Chamber president Nick Garthwaite, who chaired the debate, said: “It was a lively, interesting and successful event.

“The MPs showed that they are keen to listen to the concerns of local businesses, while our members have always got plenty of questions for them.

“We appreciate that the House of Commons can be an unnaturally divisive place, where opposing views come to the fore, so it’s good to know that MPs from different parties can – when required – work together for the local area.”

A separate meeting between Chamber members and Government officials involved in Brexit is taking place this month.

The next MPs’ lunch event is in Leeds on February 9, when Hilary Benn will be a speaker.

For more details, visit wnychamber.co.uk.