DEFENCE minister Tobias Ellwood was welcomed as the guest speaker at the Basingstoke Business and Enterprise Forum.

Basingstoke’s MP Maria Miller MP welcomed Mr Ellwood at a lunch which was hosted at the Apollo Hotel by manager Paul Fearon.

The Forum was founded in 2017 and is an opportunity for small and medium sized enterprises in Basingstoke to hear guest speakers and meet regularly with Mrs Miller and other politicians.

During the visit the defence minister spoke on a wide range of subjects including Brexit, defence projects and the vital role of cyber security.

Mrs Miller said: “Basingstoke businesses had the opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by business in the south east and the specific issues faced by industries including defence and cyber security.

“Businesses attending were given the opportunity to question the Minister about key areas which affect and influence their businesses and the wider economy as a whole.”