Appearances and Speeches

As the hon.

My hon. Friend is right to talk about the importance of local leadership and engagement.

I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that there is no ambivalence towards his city region.

If I recall correctly, I believe that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State was able to offer my hon.

I hope that the hon. Lady will forgive me; I did not see the evidence to the Select Committees, as I was preparing to come to the House.

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his question, and I am conscious of the context in which he speaks.

I am grateful to the hon. Lady.

As my hon. Friend knows, I know Dronfield having spent a very happy day there with him in the course of his successful election campaign.

The hon. Gentleman knows I have huge respect for him—indeed, a huge fondness for him —but I am afraid I cannot agree with what he says.

I, or a fellow Minister from the Department, will be very happy to meet my hon. Friend.