When Hilary Benn had a different job - development secretary - he agreed with me, calling for people to buy Kenyan flowers for Valentine's Day in 2007.

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While he wasn't able to introduce me to anyone willing to part with their Black Gold, he agreed to let me peruse his personal collection.

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"I have my idea and many agreed with me but many more didn't, " he said.

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Next Tuesday, companies wanting to get a slice of the police budget in Surrey and West Midlands will attend a bidding conference, with Peter Williams telling me he would be there to ensure that nothing was agreed "unless it delivers benefits to us".

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