This week, I attended the 2016 Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. The issue that loomed large throughout the conference was how we maximise the opportunities created by our decision to leave the European Union. The mood was incredibly optimistic, and the fringe circuit was buzzing with fresh thinking and new ideas.

I took part in several fringe events to discuss how we could dramatically improve policies on agriculture and fisheries, and how we can achieve more for our environment once we are free to innovate, try new policies and make our own laws again.

Theresa May delivered her first conference speech as Prime Minister. She revealed the huge amount of work going on behind the scenes to prepare for our exit from the European Union, with a Repeal Bill being drafted. She also set a deadline for triggering the formal negotiation process.