EU referendum survey: Local MPs hot and cold on pro-Brexit result

The region is home to politicians from both sides of the debate, although among our MPs, 'remain' backers outnumber those who want to leave the EU by more than four to one.

Stone MP and staunch Eurosceptic Sir Bill Cash said he was 'absolutely delighted' to see the results of our survey, which came out 80 per cent in favour of Brexit.

Praising 'the common sense and understanding' of people in the Black Country and Staffordshire, he said: "This is the true heart of the United Kingdom and it is pleasing to see that people have understood matters which the elite have completely failed to come to terms with.

"People can clearly see that it is their democracy, their Parliament, their laws and their future which is at stake."

On 86 per cent of respondents saying they thought the EU interferes too much in the UK, the MP added: "The voters have got it completely right.

"In all areas of life we are quite capable of working out how to run our own affairs without interference."

Fellow Tory Mike Wood said the results mirrored his own EU survey that he undertook in his constituency last month.

• MORE: See the full Express & Star survey results here

• MORE: Boris Johnson backs Express & Star readers

• MORE: Express & Star Comment: Poll results will set off alarm bells

"I think the Express & Star survey demonstrates the strength of feeling in the West Midlands that Britain could have a strong, successful future outside the EU," said the Dudley South MP, who is backing Brexit.

"In this area we are very proud of our manufacturing businesses and we are keen to support our trade with the whole world as well as Europe."

But Pat McFadden, co-chair of the pro-EU Labour In group and former shadow minister for Europe, urged people to look at 'the whole picture' before casting their vote.

"I understand there is a lot of concern locally about immigration and this is a big factor in these survey results," the Wolverhampton South East MP said.

"But I hope voters think very carefully about a move that could damage us economically and hurt investment and jobs.

"The EU is our biggest trading partner and that matters to us in the manufacturing heartland of the country.

"Being part of the EU free trade area is a major reason why the UK attracts inward investment in areas like the automotive industry, financial services and more."

Meanwhile South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson, who took part in the survey, said the most important poll would take place in June.

"In 2015 the Conservatives promised to give people their say on the EU and that's exactly what we have done," he said.

"People now have the choice of voting stay or leave, which is so important when you consider that a generation has not had this opportunity.

"Whatever the result, the Government will deal with the situation and continue to act in the interests of the people."

In the wake of Boris Johnson being voted as the politician most likely to influence voters' decisions Mr Williamson said that he does not think 'personalities' should be the key factor.

"In the General Election people chose someone in the Prime Minister who they felt would deliver the best results for this country," he said.