Brexit minister feels the heat

Hundreds of Lancashire business leaders gave a resounding thumbs-down to the government’s handling of Brexit negotiations at an event addressed by minister Kwasi Kwarteng.

One told Mr Kwarteng that it was time for MPs to “stop chasing rainbows” and called on the government to do more to restore the UK’s international reputation for trade.

Around 300 delegates attended the Brexit For Business conference staged by North Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce at Preston’s Guild Hall.

Dawn Cheetham, president of the chamber, said that tough times lie ahead for the county’s businesses but insisted they were ready for the challenge.