Alok Sharma

“Educating girls prevents child marriage and early pregnancy and helps women get jobs, which boosts household incomes and economic growth. It gives girls a voice and helps them to shape their own futures.”

“Eliminating global poverty will need the talent and potential of all, not just half the population.”

“I am delighted that India will be my first official visit since taking up my appointment as a Foreign Office Minister.”

“People in this country, Britons, have a special relationship with dogs. And like the millions of dog owners across our great nation, my wife and daughters and I regard our dog as a treasured member of our family.”

“Our reputation as a nation of animal lovers means we can make a strong case for dogs as pets rather than as food.”

“The U.K. is open for investment, but not for exploitation.”

“Investment in businesses creates sustainable jobs.”

“While satellite operators can dodge large pieces of debris and armour satellites to withstand the impact of smaller fragments, with the need for a growing number of satellites in orbit we must be able to monitor the space highways and to gradually clear it of obstructions.”

“The U.K.'s relationship with China is strong, growing and delivering benefits for both our countries. As permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, we are working together to tackle global issues of the 21st century.”

“My two daughters have grown up with the same freedoms and opportunities as their male cousins; we must aspire for that to be every girl's reality.”

“Britain is committed to peace and security, and a leading supporter of the international rules-based system.”

“Ebola is a horrific disease.”

“From the radio and the world wide web, to the steam engine and penicillin, for generations the U.K. has been a world-leader in science and research.”

“In spite of the tireless efforts of our scientist, it is possible that we may never find a successful coronavirus vaccine.”

“In my immigrant family we revered Margaret Thatcher. She was aspiration personified. She understood what it took to smash the glass ceiling. She shared our values and she empathised with our experiences. She really was the first British Asian Prime Minister.”

“Giving every girl in the world the chance of a healthy, educated, and economically independent life is essential if we are to end poverty around the world.”

“Too often, researchers on the cusp of a new discovery are held back by needless red tape and paperwork, meaning their innovative work cannot be capitalised on.”

“For 47 years, the U.K. has been forced to follow rules set by Brussels bureaucrats, many of whom have never set a foot on British soil.”

“Some of our best and unexpected discoveries have been born out of crises - from the Second World War, for example, came Alan Turing's decoding machine, widely considered as the precursor to modern day computers and artificial intelligence.”

“My Dad always maintained that although Mrs. Thatcher did not look like us, she absolutely thought like us. He referred to her as the first British Asian Prime Minister. Because she shared our core values and beliefs.”