Oral Answers to Questions

Derek Thomas Excerpts
Tuesday 22nd January 2019

(5 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jeremy Hunt Portrait Mr Hunt
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The Minister for Africa is not here, but I am delighted to say in her absence that she would be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman.

Derek Thomas Portrait Derek Thomas (St Ives) (Con)
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20. Soft power in the form of trade can lift billions of people out of poverty. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that the opportunity of new trade deals with the Commonwealth, which would give those countries an opportunity to prosper, is one that we should pursue?

Jeremy Hunt Portrait Mr Hunt
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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.