News story

Minister Robin Walker visits the South West

Government engages with sectors at the heart of the region’s economy

Robin Walker with Jim Stewart, Chief Executive of the Poole Harbour Commissioners

Robin Walker with Jim Stewart, Chief Executive of the Poole Harbour Commissioners

Minister Robin Walker has visited fishermen, farmers and businesses across the South West as part of the Government’s ongoing engagement with businesses across the country on the UK’s exit from the EU.

During his tour of the area, the Minister met representatives from some of the region’s key sectors, which are at the very heart of its thriving economy.

At Poole Harbour, he held a roundtable with leaders from the fisheries, ports and tourism sectors and took a tour around the harbour, before speaking with farmers from the NFU’s South West branch in Exeter.

The Minister went on to learn more about the region’s booming tech industry, taking a tour of the Innovation Centre at Exeter University and meeting tech company CrowdCube - a leading investment crowdfunding platform.

UK Government Minister for Exiting the EU, Robin Walker, said:

I was very pleased to meet some of the people involved in many of the South West’s key sectors, including tourism, fishing and agriculture, and tech today. These sectors are the beating heart of this region’s economy and make a significant contribution to the UK economy as a whole.

Hearing the views of the people of the South West will help us ensure we embrace the significant opportunities our EU exit presents and fully address the challenges it poses to different parts of the country.

Today’s visit is part of an extensive programme of engagement with businesses across the whole of the UK.

Published 31 July 2017