Two Southampton MPs have penned a letter to the Deputy Prime Minister to argue that devolution could "unlock" economic potential in the city.

Darren Paffey and Satvir Kaur both explained their backing for the creation of a Combined Mayoral Authority in the letter sent to Angela Rayner.

The MPs believe that a joint authority covering Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight would allow for more local decision-making, benefiting both residents and the economy.

The letter stated: "Our city has huge potential that we believe can be unlocked by giving local decision makers a greater say.

"Although Southampton is a major gateway to the rest of the world and has one of the UK’s fastest growing economies, it has vast economic potential that is waiting to be unlocked."

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The MPs criticised the current system, saying it often limits the ability of local leaders to make impactful decisions.

They welcomed the move to give locally elected representatives more powers, believing it could make a real difference in areas such as transport and infrastructure.

The letter continued: "This comes at a time when there is no shortage of political or economic ambition for our city.

"The recently launched Renaissance Vision provides just one example of this ambition, setting out some impressive ambitions for the future development of the city centre.

"We are optimistic that the creation of the Combined Mayoral Authority could supercharge the delivery of this plan by unlocking new sources of funding and support."

The MPs also highlighted the importance of the Combined Mayoral Authority in addressing regional challenges such as housing supply and affordability, skills development, and health inequalities.

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Both Mr Paffey and Ms Kaur believe it will play a crucial role in tackling climate change and environmental protection.

The letter concluded: "There are many other reasons why we believe the proposed Combined Mayoral Authority will be good for our city and for constituents – many of which have been set out by Southampton City Council in its response to the government’s consultation.

"We have no hesitation in giving the proposed Combined Mayoral Authority our full and unequivocal support and are keen to support this exciting endeavour in whatever way we can."

The MPs' support comes as the government considers responses to its consultation on the proposed Combined Mayoral Authority.