The Ipswich and Suffolk Business Club played host to Lord David Frost at the club’s most recent event at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall.
Lord Frost was Chief Negotiator and Europe advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson (2019-21) and then Minister responsible for EU in 2021.
During his post as Chief Negotiator, he was responsible for the dialogue that took the UK out of the EU and put in place the UK/EU trade and Cooperation Agreement, the world’s broadest free trade agreement.
He was subsequently responsible for the post-exit negotiations on the Northern Ireland Protocol, and for leading aspects of post-Brexit domestic reform.
Commenting on how businesses in the East of England could take advantage of Brexit, Lord Frost said: “Businesses ought to be telling the Government what they want and what would make a difference to them. There are some things that the Government has already done such as the upfront write-off of capital spend but I think that businesses need to make their views and desires heard.
“I think the relationship between government and business has got fragile in recent years and something needs to be done about it. With that said, businesses should be clear about what they want, identify their main issues and get them into government.”
Lord Frost also reflected on his own role within the delivery of Britain’s departure from the EU as he explained: “I’m most proud of what Boris and I did along with a few others like Dominic Cummings in those awful months of 2019 after we came to power and the entire country felt on the verge of a nervous breakdown. The constitution was blocked, nobody could get Brexit done and it seemed like Parliament couldn’t agree on anything.
“I think it would have been disastrous if we’d not been able to deliver the referendum result and risk a second referendum. So I think it was constitutionally and politically crucial that we were able to cut through all that and show that when you vote for something in this country it happens and politicians act accordingly.”
Following his talk, Lord Frost opened questions to the floor where he spoke on the current partygate inquiry, the Government’s long-term vision for the UK, and his own future plans where he reaffirmed possibilities of running for MP at the next general elections.
Toby Kramers, Chair of Ipswich Suffolk Business Club (ISBC), said: “To be able to host Lord David Frost this evening, whose career has such great impact in the field of business, has been an absolute pleasure. I for one found it fascinating to hear his insights across his work across Brexit, and I’m certain our members did too.
“The rest of this year still holds many exciting events to come and are always looking to welcome new members. Any business owners and leaders interested in membership are encouraged to get in touch and join our proud community.”
The event was sponsored by award-winning PR and digital agency PLMR Genesis, Milsoms and Adnams.
Members of Ipswich Suffolk Business Club are local business owners, leaders and decision-makers who share the Club’s vision in promoting business growth and accelerating Suffolk’s business reputation in the UK.
The Club attracts high-quality speakers, giving members the opportunity to hear from and question exceptional business entrepreneurs and political influencers. For more information, please see www.isbclub.org.uk.
To become a member and gain access to these exclusive member events, contact Liz Harsant by emailing secretary@isbclub.org.uk.
