Vernon has served his constituency since 1997.  After a number of Parliamentary Private Secretary roles, he became a government whip in May 2005.  He then served as a Minister of State at the Home Office between 2008 and 2009 before taking up the role of Minister of State for Schools and Learning between 2009 and 2010.

He has held positions in the Labour Shadow Cabinet, as both Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence and Shadow Minister of State for Schools.

Vernon was recently selected to join the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). This is the parliamentary arm of the Council of Europe, a 47-nation international organisation dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Council of Europe is an older and wider circle of nations than the 28-member European Union – it includes, for example, Russia and Turkey among its member states – and oversees the European Court of Human Rights.

Vernon is also a member of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee which is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the administration, expenditure and policy of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and its associated public bodies.

“It was great to have the opportunity to meet so many people from the business community and speak to them about how we navigate our way through the brexit negotiations. In 2017, exports were worth £21.8 billion to the East Midlands and 55% of this was exported to the EU.  Imports in 2017 were worth £26.4 billion to the East Midlands and 57% of this was from the EU. What happens going forward matters to businesses and it is important that they are listened to. It is vital that a deal is delivered that ensures a strong economic package that promotes business growth and protects jobs and living standards,’’ said Vernon Coaker MP.

Newly elected President of the club, Ian Roberts, added: “Vernon Coaker was a great guest speaker.  His talk was honest and passionate and served to highlight both the challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit. The talk prompted lots of really good questions from our members that he fielded really well.”

Nottingham City Business Club was established in 1924, with its membership comprising of senior representatives of the local business community. The club is sponsored by national law firm Buckles, who have an office in Nottingham city centre.