TACKLING the economic crisis is the theme of a talk by a shadow minister to business leaders in Comet country. Mark Francois, shadow minister for Europe, will address th

TACKLING the economic crisis is the theme of a talk by a shadow minister to business leaders in Comet country. Mark Francois, shadow minister for Europe, will address the Hitchin and Harpenden Business Club on Europe, business and the economic downturn at lunchtime on Friday at Offley Place in Great Offley. MP Peter Lilley, who invited Mr Francois, said: "Our relations with Europe are always important, never more so than at the moment as the world tries to come to terms with the economic downturn and a very different international landscape. "We are extremely fortunate to have the chance to hear what Mark has got to say about how we might adapt to the current situation given the devaluation of sterling against the Euro, the stresses and strains inside the Euro zone and the budgetary pressures in different member states. "Local business people will be particularly interested in his views given that our trade and commerce with Europe are important to the success of our own economy.