Andy Burnham: “If we get that feeling, then I think so much is possible that doesn’t feel possible right now, and we can really get the…”

Obviously, we take the greatest of care in relation to any issue that relates to our biosecurity, and at this point in time, while we would monitor the situation closely, I wouldn’t want to say anything further.

If the UK wants to build global companies, we need to be globally competitive. To do that, we cannot have Britain's start-ups simply sell up.

Non-compete clauses stop workers from joining a rival organisation, or indeed, setting up one of their own after they have left their role, and I think that's a drag on innovation and prevents the best really being energised and bringing…

So I can confirm today we will legislate to make sure that non-compete clauses will no longer be a barrier to hiring for our most promising start-ups and scaling firms.