But wouldn't it also be a good idea for the Trade Minister to go along too? The pity is that more than two months into the coalition government, we still don't have one. I find that incredible. Apparently several leading business figures have been approached and have all turned down the job.
It's time the position was filled, and filled quickly.
This is staggering. I would have expected that a name would have been pencilled in for the job months ago.
ReplyDeleteThey must have mislaid my phone number ...
Probably no one wants the job!!
ReplyDeleteThis is mainly because the Trade minister has no power.
ReplyDeleteTrade policy is purely EU territory and has been for many years, the role is merely peripheral, if not a complete waste of somebodies time and money.
If they are thinking of making a Lord out of some businessman for the role then Browns escapade with Lord Digby (and Lord Sugar) will have given most of them pause for thought.
ReplyDeleteBut given the anonymous outcome of Digby's time in office - do we really need one?
But yes you are right, and why not just put some politician in the job.
Iain,
ReplyDeleteMore to the point: Why don't we have a Home Secretary who is prepared to stand up to the creeping EU police state?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/7909314/Britons-to-be-spied-on-by-foreign-police.html
Iain
ReplyDeleteYou obviously missed the bit about the EU now being responsible for Trade. DC will be running down the other departments soon too. Next up the Foreign Office
The fact that there is no trade minister must be very encouraging for business. The best thing government could do is get the eff out of the way.
ReplyDeleteGet rid of Industrial Tribunals. Allow fast track visas-for-money so businesses can move staff round the world in days, without all the bureaucracy and time-wasting.
The next best thing they could do is to enable fast internet to be available everywhere, improve road and rail links.
Followed by enable cuts in the cost of energy, reduce fuel prices which are extortionate - crude oil is $80 not $140. Cut VAT.
Get rid of all quangos, the barmy rules and regulations. No trade minister needed thanks. Just get the b....... out of our way.
Digby Jones would be ideal!
ReplyDeleteLord Mandelson perhaps?
ReplyDeleteTony Hayward will have a gap in his diary once the sailing season's over.
ReplyDeleteGive Old Holborn the job.
ReplyDeleteThat way, anyone could turn up and do the job, yet the job would still get done.
Not too sure that any leading business figures would want to give up their careers and stipends. Also not too sure that there are many who are up to the politics/diplomacy of the job.
ReplyDeletePeople like Alan Sugar can make bundles of money for themselves, but can they make it for the nation?
This is a real surprise from a Tory Govt. What's wrong with an MP filling the position?
ReplyDeleteWhy the HEL would you need a trade minister any way?
ReplyDeleteIt is up to individual companies, to negotiate their own deals, NOT "government".
Follow ups.
ReplyDeleteWe do have a Business Secretary. the business of Business is to trade or there is no business.
ReplyDeleteMaybe rename it "Ministry of Backscratch, Bungs and Corporatism"?
ReplyDeleteGiven the above, maybe it is no surprise they are spoilt for choice as to who to appoint...
:)(:
ReplyDelete谁是你的好朋友