Jenny Chapman, Labour’s Shadow Brexit Minister, commenting on the news that Dominic Raab will not attend that start of the first round of negotiations since he became Brexit Secretary, said:

“Over the past week the Government’s Brexit strategy has descended into utter chaos. But rather than trying to repair the damage and negotiate with Brussels, the new Brexit Secretary has decided to take the evening off and attend a summer drinks reception. This is simply not good enough. Dominic Raab needs to rethink his priorities.”