Advertisement

Dr Liam Fox delivers bitter medicine to UK companies on exports

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox recalled his previous career as a doctor telling patients what they needed to hear as he was tackled over his criticism of "lazy" company bosses.

The Cabinet minister came under fire earlier this month over an outspoken attack on British business culture, claiming executives preferred to play golf rather than fulfilling their "duty" as exporters.

Pressed over these remarks following a speech in Manchester, Dr Fox, albeit less forthright than previously, repeated his claim the UK had been "too willing to rest upon the achievements" of past generations.

:: Brexit planning may cost £65m a year, study says

Highlighting the nation's trade deficit, he argued Britain had "fallen behind" and there was a need to identify and remove the "impediments" to boosting exports.

Dr Fox said: "The alternative to that is, that our current account deficit grows with the economic consequences that that brings.

"When I was a doctor, my job was not to tell people what they wanted to hear. It was to tell them what they needed to hear so we could put things right.

"If it applies to medicine, why do the same ethics not apply to politics.

"A question I have always wondered."

:: Clarke (Toronto: CKI.TO - news) : May Govt doesn't have 'first idea' on Brexit

During his speech, Dr Fox had hailed the "brave and historic" decision of UK voters to leave the EU.

He said: "Those that believe that the referendum was a sign of Britain looking inwards have it completely 100% wrong.

"It is the beginning of Britain increasing its global engagement.

"We are leaving the EU, we are not leaving Europe."

He added: "We will be working across Whitehall... to ensure the UK will not only leave smoothly but will be at the forefront of global trade when we do."

Dr Fox also insisted the UK would be able to keep free trade with the EU while taking control of immigration.

He said trade with the bloc post-Brexit could be "at least as free" as it is now.

EU leaders have repeatedly said access to the free trade zone is dependent on allowing the free movement of EU citizens.