MINISTER of Housing and Urban Development Adrian Leonce has laughed off suggestions that his business dealings in the UK have influenced the British government's decision to ramp up visa restrictions on Trinidad and Tobago nationals.

He made the comment on March 26 after allegations that he had business dealings with an alleged local gang financier who lives in the UK.

Speaking at the launch of East Port of Spain Development Company's UpSkill Me internship programme at Nu Wave Automotive Ltd in El Socorro, Leonce said he will not be distracted by the narrative being crafted on social media.