Letter: Business integrity
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Letter: Business integrity
Sir: It is interesting to contrast the approach taken by David Maclean in pointing out to the newly appointed Lord Sainsbury ("Sainsbury targeted by Tories",30 July) areas where he should and should not speak, with the story of the large number of troughs which Mr Maclean's former colleagues are dining at ("Ex-ministers find talents in demand", 29 July).
Those leaving business for politics can ensure that they do not benefit from any decisions they may take. Parliament can and should take steps to see that this happens. The potential for corruption is much more difficult to regulate when it happens the other way. How can businesses making such appointments benefit, other than from having access to contacts? Worst of all, in many cases it seems appointees are simply being rewarded for favours already shown.
Perhaps it is time somebody started to look at the business benefits of such appointments.
MARK ELTRINGHAM
Egglescliffe, Cleveland
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments