WINCHESTER and Chandler’s Ford MP Steve Brine spoke to a range of local business leaders as he took part in his annual Business Breakfast on Friday January 18.

The MP and junior health minister discussed the current Brexit situation, and was keen to stress the importance of getting a deal, saying a No Deal scenario was ‘unthinkable’, recognising that what business needs most at this time is certainty.

He also spoke about his continued lobbying on business rates, following positive news from the Chancellor back in the Autumn Budget, and the “excellent work” of Winchester City Council, and Cllr Guy Ashton in particular, in managing the district’s finances.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “I’ve taken part in this session every year since I was first elected in 2010, and it’s a fixture on my calendar.”

He added: “I really value the opportunity to not only pass back to the business community my thoughts from Westminster, but also to pick up feedback which I can take back with me.

“It was really good to be able to do both, and I repeated my call for more businesses of all sizes to engage with me as we go through this process.”

Mr Brine was also delighted to present a cheque, raised by Winchester Business Improvement District and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce who sponsored the event, to Winchester Churches Night Shelter.

The money comes from donations from the public who are encouraged not to give directly to street beggars but to charities that can help them.