Lord Mandelson warns on protectionism
As strike action continues to spread across the UK, business secretary Lord Mandelson has this evening come out suggesting that protectionism should be avoided at all costs. While he suggests he understands the current plight of UK workers a move towards protecting the UK workforce would likely induce similar moves overseas which could impact upon the long-term profitability of UK businesses and the growth rate of the UK economy. However, is Lord Mandelson risking the wrath of the UK workforce?
Yet again it would appear that Lord Mandelson's pro-European stance is very much coming to the fore, something which could seriously embarrass the PM Gordon Brown in the weeks and months ahead. Many had suggested bringing Mandelson back to the Cabinet was a serious error of judgement and now those who had supported the move are starting to think again. It is common knowledge that during his time in government, Mandelson and Gordon Brown were at loggerheads on a number of occasions and have never seen eye to eye.
The call by Lord Mandelson mirrors his comment just two weeks ago regarding the US government and possible protection issues over in the US regarding the domestic workforce and domestic companies. However, many believe that a free market economy is a vital cog in the worldwide economy and protectionism should be avoided at all costs.
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