Business, Brexit, and collaboration: Imperial hosts government reception

Rt Hon Greg Clark MP speaking at Imperial

Imperial welcomed ministers from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for their annual stakeholder reception.

Held in the College’s Main Entrance on Wednesday 21 June, the event brought together key stakeholders including business, industry and university leaders to hear from the ministerial team.

Jo Johnson MP speaks to Professor Alice Gast, Professor James Stirling, and Professor David Gann

Secretary of State Greg Clark MP was joined at the event by Jo Johnson MP - Minister of State for Universities and Science, alongside fellow BEIS ministers Claire Perry MP, Margot James MP, Richard Harrington MP and Lord David Prior.

Describing Imperial as “a real jewel”, the Secretary of State spoke of the Government’s new Industrial Strategy, Brexit, and the importance of businesses and universities to the economy and society.

Claire Perry MP and Richard Harrington MP

Speaking about the potential impact of Brexit, he said: “We are successful because we are a trading nation. We need to not only maintain that but increase our level of trade with the whole of the world including Europe. That has to be our objective in these negotiations.”

Introducing The Secretary of State, Professor Alice Gast, President of Imperial, said: We are immensely proud of the world-class talent and research at Imperial. Our works helps drive productivity and growth across the UK. 

Margot James MP

We welcome government support through increased investment in R&D and we’re pleased to see that universities are rightly placed at the heart of the industrial strategy

As Britain’s relationship with Europe reaches a new chapter, we will continue to remain open to collaboration and to welcome the best and brightest students and staff from Europe and beyond.

We urge the government to continue promoting and supporting collaboration and talent mobility so we can continue to bring the best minds together to tackle the complex global challenges we face. 

Professor Alice Gast Addresses the audience