I’ve moved on from UK politics, says Mandelson
Peter Mandelson, former Cabinet Minister and close confidant of Tony Blair’s, has told the European Parliament that he has “moved on” from any active involvement in UK politics.
Mr Mandelson is set to become the EU’s Trade Commissioner, if the commissioner roles are confirmed en masse by the Parliament later this month. His comments on his future role came during a three hour grilling session with members of the Parliament’s trade committee.
Pressed on his future relationship with Mr Blair and the Labour Party, Mr Mandelson said that, whilst his personal friendship with Mr Blair would continue: “I have moved on from being a British parliamentarian and a supporter in the active day-to-day sense of Tony Blair. I aim to be an active member of the Commission, to whose strength and assertiveness I am committed.”
Under questioning, he reiterated his point even more emphatically, saying: “I have moved on. I am not a House of Commons man, I am a European Parliament man. I am not a British Labour government man, I am a European Commission man. I know where my interests, loyalties and allegiances lie and I will not be found wanting in that area, but only time will tell.”
At the time of Mr Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s EU commission commentators expended much ink mulling over what influence Mr Mandelson would have on the next general election campaign, as he is widely credited as a key figure in the creation of New Labour and the 1997 general election success. His comments to the MEPs seem to indicate that his contributions now will be of a private nature – though he does remain only a two hour train ride from London.
With the UK assuming the presidency of the G8 and the EU next year, Mr Mandelson will also be in a key strategic position to help push through reforms.
The rest of the session mainly covered Mr Mandelson’s vision for his new role, in which he particularly focused on developing countries. He said his main priorities included completing the Doha round, developing a strategic partnership with China, and strengthening relations between Europe and America.
On trade with Africa, one of Tony Blair’s key aims for his EU presidency, he said: “A one per cent increase in agricultural exports from Africa would be worth more than all the current debt relief and development aid combined. It is an ambition worth fighting for. There is no pretence that some would not lose out in the short run – the key is to ensure their long term gains are greater.”
Concluding with a comment on US-EU trade relations, which have been strained in recent years, Mr Mandelson said: ” Currently we have only 13 WTO disputes with the US, but that is 13 too many. I hope we do not have another dispute over Airbus and Boeing, I hope that it can be kept out of the WTO.”
The majority of the MEPs seemed impressed with Mr Mandelson, with the Socialist Group vice-president Jan Marinus Wiersma giving him a ringing endorsement, saying: “It is obvious that Mr Mandelson will be a very strong Commissioner, given the stunning way in which he presented his agenda and his vision for the next five years. It was amazing.”
However, Caroline Lucas, speaking for the Greens, expressed doubts about delivery. Dr Lucas, said: “We’ve heard many fine words today, but the real test will be on delivery. Almost every one of his pledges was dressed up as being very development-friendly. However, the Council of Ministers due to meet next week will discuss an assessment of a July WTO deal which will contradict almost all of his assurances by including no reference to social, environmental or developmental concerns.
“These leaked conclusions demonstrate that current EU trade policy is about putting the interests of EU exporters above the needs of poor people in developing countries. If Mandelson sticks to what he has said, he will be on a collision course with EU governments. In reality, I fear that – in spite of the super-smooth performance we’ve heard today – it will be business as usual.”
