Davies, appointed last November to replace Tracey Crouch, used her first major policy speech to show support for the first Commonwealth Games to be held in England for 20 years but, more significantly, the first major global event in the country following Brexit. 

The Government is hoping to use the Games as an opportunity to build new trade links with Commonwealth countries and showcase Britain after its controversial departure from the European Union next month. 

"We’re looking forward to hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham which, with an estimated TV audience of 1.5 billion - that number is just rolling off the tongue - will showcase the city, the whole of the West Midlands and the UK to the rest of the world," Davies told an audience of leaders from Britain's Olympic and Paralympic sports.

"It will demonstrate our country as a destination for sport, business, leisure, tourism and education."

Davies added: "Having such a huge audience for this kind of event is amazing. 

"It means that we have the opportunity again to inspire people across the world."

Staging the Commonwealth Games is costing £750 million ($1 billion/€850 million) with the UK Government contributing up to 75 per cent of that amount. 

Former UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Matt Hancock admitted last April that improving Britain's trade links post-Brexit is an important reason why the British Government is backing Birmingham hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

"Events like the Commonwealth Games are fantastic occasions," Davies said. 

"2022 will be an opportunity to showcase the values of our great nation, 10 years on from London 2012 - just showing how much we have improved in terms of inclusivity and equality for all."