Oral Answers to Questions

Robert Jenrick Excerpts

Thursday 27th April 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

The west midlands is certainly one of the powerhouses of this country that will be important for powering the economy after we have left the European Union. These are matters that will be discussed in the fullness of time with the new mayor, Andy Street.

[Robert Jenrick (Newark) (Con)]

Three years ago, David Cameron and I launched my first election campaign, at British Sugar in Newark. Three years—and approaching three elections—later, the sugar industry continues to employ hundreds of my constituents in Nottinghamshire, keeping the fields of the county full of rich beet crop. Furthermore, the sugar industry is intensely optimistic about the prospects for Brexit. I know that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has acquired a reputation as something of a bruiser over the years, but with his 13 years of experience at Tate & Lyle, will he retain his sweet tooth as he approaches the negotiations?

[Mr Davis]

I must admit that I am standing here wondering whether I should declare an interest, on behalf of my pension fund if nothing else. Of course we will fight for the interests of the sugar industry as much as we do for everything else, and we will be successful.