"Trade can be a dirty business. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was tolerated as a special representative for trade and investment in the noughties despite allegations that he kept convicted gun smugglers for friends, while Peter Mandelson's ability to schmooze the rich and famous repeatedly overruled concerns about his probity. To close a deal, there are always compromises to be made, and sometimes the terms are unsavoury."
"Last week, a group of MPs said the prime minister had spurned an opportunity to show he wanted to promote more sophisticated, secure and transparent trading relationships when he refused to appoint a cross-government minister for economic security. Liam Byrne, the business and trade committee chair and former Treasury minister, said deals were being done that needed more scrutiny, especially when Chinese companies are involved."
Britain has a long trading history that stretches back to prehistoric Cornish tin and copper trade. Trade often involves compromises and sometimes unsavoury terms. Controversial envoys have been tolerated, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor amid allegations related to convicted gun smugglers and Peter Mandelson whose ability to schmooze overrode probity concerns. Political appointments have prioritized deal-making, such as Mandelson's US ambassadorship and Ian Botham's role as a trade envoy. MPs criticized the prime minister for declining to appoint a cross-government minister for economic security. Liam Byrne warned that deals, especially involving Chinese companies, need more scrutiny to avoid future national security risks and coercion.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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