Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Bridgen Excerpts

Wednesday 16th November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Rory Stewart]

The sustainable development goals are central, and the UK Government played a very important role in bringing them forward, but this is a cross-Government effort and we will be bringing forward a cross-Government response.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

6. What steps her Department is taking to promote economic development in Africa.

[The Secretary of State for International Development (Priti Patel)]

Last month in Kenya, I saw the life-saving impact of UK aid on the ground when it comes to combating drought, hunger and disease. I also saw how innovation can not only result in UK aid reaching more people, but help people to look at the long-term economic opportunities to tackle poverty and bring economic growth.

[Andrew Bridgen]

Does my right hon. Friend agree that working in partnership with Governments, businesses and investors around the world to transform economies and trading relationships, particularly in developing countries, should be a vital part of our UK diplomatic effort and our long-term prosperity strategy, especially as we approach Brexit?

[Priti Patel]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. No country can defeat poverty without economic growth. Jobs, trade and investment are central to that, and the United Kingdom will be at the forefront of championing economic development and helping the poorest in the world to work their way out of poverty.