Business Secretary Greg Clark gave a vote of confidence to Brighton-based American Express during an exchange in the House of Commons where the Hove MP Peter Kyle raised concerns about Brexit.
Mr Kyle, who recently voted against the Prime Minister’s approach to leaving the European Union (EU), also known as Brexit, quizzed Mr Clark in the Commons chamber.
The Labour MP asked: “Nissan has benefited from a pre-Brexit deal. What reassurance can the Secretary of State offer Brighton-based businesses such as American Express and EDF that, after Brexit, they will still be able to have an open and free relationship with the EU?”
The Conservative cabinet minister replied: “American Express is a very important employer in Brighton and it is very welcome here.
“It has located itself in this country because Britain is a fantastic place from which to do business. That is the message that I receive wherever I travel to in the world.
“There is great appetite to invest in Britain, and the honourable gentleman will know of our recent success stories.
“I hope that American Express will continue to invest more and employ more in his constituency.”
Mr Clark is believed to be something of a fan of Brighton and Hove, having visited both as a minister and with his family in his spare time. He also praised Mr Kyle when the Labour MP made his maiden speech in the Commons last year.
