Blair offers pro-Europe BP boss a job
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.Diane Coyle
The Blair government has sent a strong signal that it will take a more positive approach to co-operation with Europe by offering Sir David Simon, the pro-single currency chairman of British Petroleum, a formal role in Government.
Sir David is still in discussions over what he might do because he is very reluctant to quit BP and is concerned that he could not do justice to both jobs.
But a statement from the company said that he "would very much like to play a part in shaping the UK's relations with its partners".
The possible government jobs suggested to the BP chairman include a ministerial position at the Department of Trade and Industry. Whether he accepts or settles for an informal advisory role instead, the Government's approach to Sir David suggests it will be substantially more constructive than the Conservatives in its dealings with the EU.
Along with Niall Fitzgerald, chairman of Unilever, Sir David is regarded as one of the strongest supporters in the business community of the single European currency.
In a recent pamphlet published by the Blairite Centre for European Reform, of which he is a trustee, he wrote: "A single currency, introduced at the appropriate time, will reduce costs for businesses that trade or invest across Europe, as well as giving Britain a better chance of sustaining a sound monetary policy and low inflation."
Most observers believe that the Government will not seek to take the UK into the single currency in the first wave, but the choice of a pro- monetary union business adviser would certainly encourage hopes of later membership.
Margaret Beckett, President of the Board of Trade, said yesterday: "We need to give Britain new leadership, and to drive for the early completion of the single market."
She said that the Government's policies towards Europe would be tailored to business needs.
"I want us to have the benefits of stable and co-operative relations between employers," Mrs Beckett said. "The Social Chapter and the national minimum wage are tools we should use to help us achieve this."
Robin Cook, Foreign Secretary, said yesterday that Britain would immediately take the first steps towards signing the Social Chapter.
Some of Labour's own economic advisers have private reservations about the plan for a minimum wage, but none believes the Social Chapter will be damaging to business.
Sir David is expected to make his decision about whether to take up the offer of a government position within the next few days.
Doug Henderson was appointed Minister for Europe yesterday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments