David Prosser: Mandelson's promises melt away
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.Outlook: Lord Mandelson professes himself "disappointed" at Kraft's decision to close the Cadbury factory in Keynsham only a week after Irene Rosenfeld, the US company's chairman, told him she planned to invest in the UK. Note that he didn't say he was "surprised" at Kraft's craven U-turn. The assurances Ms Rosenfeld gave him were as worthless as Kraft's pledge to reverse Cadbury's decision to close Keynsham.
The Business Secretary is right to complain about this lack of honesty. But he should have been more honest with Cadbury workers, too. His first intervention in the Cadbury takeover saga gave the chocolate company's supporters hope that he would protect it from Kraft's advances, even though Lord Mandelson knew perfectly well that he was powerless in the matter.
Last week's meeting with Ms Rosenfeld was a second attempt to reassure Cadbury workers and their allies that the Government was fighting their corner. Again, Lord Mandelson knew he was in no position to demand anything of Kraft which could, if it were so minded, shift Cadbury's UK operations to Timbuktu without any fear of comeback.
In fact, you wonder why Kraft felt the need to pretend to Keynsham workers there was a chance of a reprieve. The gesture wasn't necessary to secure the support of the 30 per cent of the Cadbury shareholder register accounted for by hedge funds. Nor was it needed to persuade Cadbury's board to recommend Kraft's offer once the price was right.
Ms Rosenfeld has, as the unions point out, got off to a bad start in her dealings with Kraft's new subsidiary in this country. But if she chooses to go on upsetting the good folk of Cadbury, there will be nothing that the British government can do.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments