The era of the handshake deal in a smoke-filled room must end. In a scathing critique of Britain’s post-Brexit economic strategy, Liam Byrne, chair of the Business and Trade Committee, has called for a radical overhaul of how the UK negotiates with the world. The message is blunt: stop the secret deals and start getting systematic.

Byrne is channeling the ghost of Robin Cook’s "ethical foreign policy," warning that the UK’s desperation for trade agreements has left it vulnerable to coercion, espionage, and moral bankruptcy. From the appointment of controversial figures like Peter Mandelson to the opaque negotiations with Chinese state-linked firms, the government stands accused of prioritizing profit over national security and public integrity. This is a battle for the soul of British commerce.

The Mandelson Effect

The appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador—and his subsequent involvement in lobbying scandals—exemplifies the problem. "We are tolerating a culture where connections outweigh probity," Byrne argued. The specter of "Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s" tenure as a trade representative, despite his unsavoury associations, looms large over this debate. The UK has a history of turning a blind eye to the character of its dealmakers as long as the contracts get signed.

• Security Risks: The committee’s report highlights the danger of "hostile state capitalism." Deals with entities linked to Beijing or Moscow are not just business; they are potential Trojan horses for espionage and infrastructure control.
• The Ian Botham Precedent: The critique extends to the farce of appointing unqualified celebrities like Ian Botham as trade envoys. "We need experts, not cricketers," one MP noted, calling for a professionalization of the trade apparatus.

A New Economic Patriotism

Byrne’s call is for a "cross-government minister for economic security"—a position the Prime Minister has so far refused to create. This refusal, critics argue, is a dereliction of duty. In a world dominated by predatory trade practices, the UK’s laissez-faire approach is naive at best and suicidal at worst.

It is time for the UK to clean up its act. Trade is the lifeblood of the nation, but if it comes at the cost of security and ethics, the price is too high. The government must open the books, scour the details, and ensure that Global Britain stands for something more than just a quick buck.