Speeches

October 28, 2021

My Lords, I declare my interest as the Prime Minister’s envoy to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, a role that neatly brings together my main political interests: UK SMEs and Africa. Being African-born, I hope noble Lords will forgive me if I am slightly biased, but I believe that building stronger trade and diplomatic links with Africa post Brexit should be Britain’s first priority to secure our nation’s prosperity and economic future.

April 21, 2021

I was deeply moved by the tributes
heard in both Houses this week to celebrate the life
and legacy of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip,
Duke of Edinburgh. I too would like to add to these
tributes and start by extending my heartfelt condolences
to Her Majesty the Queen and the entire royal family
at this sorrowful time.

May 18, 2020

It is a real honour to be here today to give closing remarks at this important mining forum. We’ve heard what fantastic opportunities there are in Rwanda, from a wide range of partners keen to do business here and in the region. It is certainly an exciting time to be looking to invest in Rwanda.

May 18, 2020

We heard today that Hong Kong is an amazing place, a global centre for trade that has thrived for decades. It is a mini-Britain, with its love of trade and commerce, its commitment to democracy, its relentless work ethic and the importance it places on education. The residents of Hong Kong should have no reason to be concerned. After all, the articles in the joint declaration agreed between Britain and China guarantee the people of Hong Kong their rights to economic and political independence for a period of 50 years following 1997.

January 20, 2020

I am delighted to be here in the backdrop of the UK-Africa Investment Summit to talk on the future of our evolving and exciting relationship with Africa. This is a crucial moment of change and renewal for us all. As yesterday’s Summit highlighted, Africa has substantial economic potential and we want the UK to be the investment partner of choice for African nations.
Africa is a continent that is reinventing itself in the most remarkable way. A young and aspirational population. Some of the fastest growing economies in the world. Growing stability. Emerging democracy.

July 15, 2019

My Lords, I must start by drawing attention to my entry in the register of interests, as I provide advisory services to a business, and to my role as the Prime Minister’s trade envoy to Uganda and Rwanda. I also thank my noble friend Lady Neville-Rolfe for introducing this debate. Many years ago, I made my maiden speech in a debate about the economy and the need to be more business-friendly. We have come a long way from where we were, but there is still more that we can and should do.

June 19, 2019

This week I will be joining my Jewish friends in observing the 74th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Almost three quarters of a century on from the darkest chapter in Europe’s history, Holocaust memorial is as important as it has ever been.

June 19, 2019

Brexit. It is difficult to keep track of the many unfolding twists and turns. Regardless of the resolution, and irrespective of whether you voted to leave or remain, it is clear that Britain needs to be more outward looking. That is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity.

June 17, 2019

My Lords, when you are one of the last speakers in such a debate, there is very little to say because everything you want to say has been said. However, having heard so many speeches, I think we can agree that the case for closer relations with the Commonwealth has rarely been so compelling.

June 17, 2019

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that new commercial air routes between the United Kingdom and East Africa are allocated sufficient and convenient departure slots at either Heathrow or Gatwick airports.