The BBC reports that in a cabinet reshuffle Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson is quiting the European Commission in order to return to the UK Government.
As the EU trade commissioner Mandelson had been at the forefront of the drive for liberalised trade deals, both in the Doha round of trade negotiations and the numerous negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreements with developing countries. He also came under strong criticism from the European Parliament for his policies on trade deemed by many to be unfavourable to developing countries. A particular issue that angered MEPs was a letter he wrote to the authorities in Thailand complaining against their decision to compulsorily licence a patented drug.
The proposed new UK Commmissioner is Baroness Ashton of Upholland, although as yet there has been no Commission announcement on whether she will be suceeding Mr Mandelson as Trade Commissioner or be given another portfolio.
