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Emerging Economies

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. It is a great delight to see you in the Chair. I shall not reveal how I voted, but I did nominate you. This is the dawn of a new parliamentary era. [Hon. Members: "Oh!"] I apologise to the House for the quality of that remark. I also welcome the Minister to his new responsibilities. He will be backed by a fine team of people, some of whom used to work to me. The quality of the advice provided in the Foreign Office is second to none, not only in relation to other Departments in this country but in relation to other foreign departments in other countries. I hope that the Minister lives up to them. I have been looking at the Minister's campaign website, which includes an interesting list of endorsements. Indeed, they have something of a theme. There is one from Janet, who lives in Taunton. She says:""Jeremy is clearly the best candidate. He will be supported by former Conservative voters."" Jez, also from Taunton, says:""I'm afraid the idea of Mark Formosa"," who sounds more like a plant than an animal—I mean, candidate—""as an MP terrifies me! He is worryingly extreme."" And Lavinia, from Wiveliscombe, says:""Why is Mark Formosa so negative and nasty? I'm a natural Tory but I'm not supporting him!"" It is clear that throughout the election campaign the Minister had his eye on a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition. It was seated in his mind. It is little wonder that, with him in his new job, the Tory Back Benches have as many noses out of joint as the England rugby team—