Oral Answers to Questions

Chi Onwurah Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

I absolutely agree. Just as vital is the UK’s support for the international trading system and our belief in free trade, which we continue to champion.

[Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab)]

African visitor visas are refused at over twice the average rate, and this has a negative impact on all aspects of soft power, including trade, business, culture, education and academia. This afternoon, the all-party parliamentary group on Africa, which I chair, is holding an open meeting on African visa refusals. Can I tell the meeting that the Foreign Secretary is speaking to his Home Office colleagues about the negative impact that this broken system is having?

[Mr Hunt]

I understand the hon. Lady’s concerns. If she writes to me following this afternoon’s meeting, I will happily pass them on to the Home Secretary.