Conservatives Plan 'Cultural Revolution' in Diplomacy, Boosting Business Ties
The Conservative Party's conference in Manchester is set to unveil significant policy shifts over the next four days. Central to these announcements is a proposed 'cultural revolution towards commerce' in diplomacy, aiming to reduce the UK's reliance on career civil servants as ambassadors.
The party plans to appoint Members of Parliament (MPs) as trade envoys, representing the UK's interests abroad under a non-partisan system. This move aims to boost export opportunities for UK businesses, with direct meetings already arranged with ambassadors.
Shadow ministers, however, have criticised 'crony appointments' under Labour, pointing to Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. The Conservatives counter this by citing examples from France and Germany, where ambassadorial roles actively support business interests.
If re-elected, the Tories intend to make business chiefs ambassadors, aligning the UK more closely with countries like the US and France that use similar diplomatic roles. Currently, the UK's Foreign Office has dedicated civil servants working towards Labour's growth mission. However, no specific entrepreneurs have been named for potential ambassadorial appointments.
