FORMER cabinet minister turned broadcaster and railway traveller Michael Portillo gave his view of a post-Brexit world when he spoke at a business event in Worcester.

Organised by regional law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys’, the entrepreneurs dinner was held at Worcestershire County Cricket Club. and attracted 150 guests from a wide range of businesses and sectors, including Morgan Motors, Westons Cider, Speller Metcalfe, St Richard’s Hospice and representatives of Worcestershire LEP and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Portillo, a former defence secretary and employment minister, traced Brexit back to its roots in the election of Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister in 1979, a campaign in which he was closely involved. He spoke about politics throughout the Thatcher era and into John Major’s leadership, as well as referring to David Cameron and UKIP before addressing the referendum itself, the result and its subsequent fallout.

Rod Thomas, the firm’s managing partner, said: “This was a marvellous opportunity to hear about politics and business from someone on the inside track for many years; it was both fascinating and engaging, and our guests clearly really appreciated his insights.”

Robert Capper, head of Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ commercial department, who introduced Mr Portillo and ran the question and answer session with him, added: “Michael spoke about Brexit for about 45 minutes and then took questions, covering everything from politics to trains and to television. Our guests were delighted to have the opportunity to hear him speak and to ask him questions”