The Chairman of the Conservative Party and MP for Derbyshire Dales, Sir Patrick McLoughlin opened our East Midlands Exhibition with a passionate speech regarding the vital importance of manufacturers in a post-Brexit Britain.
We have OEMs such as Bombardier, Rolls Royce and various others. But beyond that we have got thousands of other businesses supplying into those businesses which is so vital for us here in the East Midlands.
One of the things that I am particularly pleased to see here today is the way in which our Universities and Colleges are playing a leading role in training, helping and supporting our small businesses. For me, that is why this event is so important.
The diversity of businesses that have been attracted here, is absolutely essential and very important. I think that gives us confidence in the future. Because over the next few years, you will hear a lot of talk about one issue and that is Brexit.
Exhibitions like this, promoting whats going on in the East Midlands, promoting whats going on in other parts of the country are really very important indeed. That is why I was delighted when I was invited to come along and open the East Midlands exhibition.
Chief news reporter of BBC East Midlands Today, Quentin Rayner asked McLoughlin about how the government are reacting to the Brexit result.
McLoughlin concluded: The Prime Minister along with the ministers that are most directly involved in the negotiations are getting on with the job. Of course we will be scrutinised by Parliament, of course questions will be asked. But we are not going to offer a running commentary because actually that would damage our negotiating situation.