Digby Jones: You Ask The Questions

It was nice to see you made a minister by Gordon Brown. How long have you been a member of the Labour Party? Steve Williams, Sheffield

I was delighted to be appointed Minister for Trade and Investment. I'm a dedicated supporter of British business and believe passionately in the work of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). Globalisation was made for Britain. I've spent years raising issues from the outside; now I have the chance to work from within Government, ensuring that the voice of business is heard. I intend to get out there, banging the drum for Brand Britain. For me, that transcends party politics.

As a supporter of hard-working migrants, did Gordon Brown's words about "British jobs for British workers" disappoint you? Deborah T, By email

No. The Prime Minister believes that today, with jobs available for more than 30 million people, we can, if we make the right decisions, advance closer to full employment than ever in our history so there is a job for every British employee. That's got to be in the interests of us all. Equally, I welcome the arrival of skilled workers from other countries: they help create wealth and grow the economy. But it is important we have the right people, with the right skills to add value. That's why the Government is introducing an Australian-style points system from next year. It is important that those we welcome into the UK understand our traditions, learn and use English, and integrate into our society. Our nation has always had an economy grown, in part, by immigrants. It's one of the secrets of our success.

By taking good workers from overseas, aren't we creating a "brain drain" for poorer countries? Lisa Foley-Jones, By email

We welcome skilled workers from developing countries. But I hope it's a two-way street, in that they gain valuable experience to take back home to help their own economies and societies develop.

Is it true that you sniffed around the Tories and Liberal Democrats in search of a title before deciding Labour's offer was best? Peter Logan, Edinburgh

Hardly! What motivates me is the chance to bang the drum for UK plc around the world. Gordon Brown has given me the opportunity to do that.

How close were you to running as the Conservative's candidate for London Mayor? F Souza, by email

Some time ago, I was approached by the Conservatives but I did not want to join their party and the issue was dropped.

Are you a socialist? Gordon Burns, Glasgow

No. I do not belong to any political movement.

Do you still believe that unions are "irrelevant"? Marcus Williamson, by email

I never said they were. But I did say some risked becoming irrelevant if they did not get on the 21st agenda by making workforce skills a major issue. Many unions do work to a skills-enhancement agenda and I applaud that. I want to work with everyone who has the potential to create success for British businesses.

Do you believe we need a renewed focus on vocational training and should stop trying to increase the numbers on pointless university courses? Helen Oadby, Newbury

I'm a huge advocate of skills and training. It is only by having a skilled workforce that Britain can sell value-added products and services around the world. Skilled graduates are important to retaining the UK's competitive advantage and are vital if we are to continue to attract high-quality inward investors to the UK. But so is investment in training and schools. Parents and society must learn to value vocational qualifications as different but equal to many university degrees.

How can British businesses compete when companies in India and China can pay such low wages? Daniel Wilton, Birmingham

Globalisation presents challenges, but also opportunities and the UK has good reason to be confident. We're the top location for investment in Europe, second only to the US globally. Our economy is booming because of its business friendly environment, skilled labour force, strength of the R&D base. These are factors that high-growth markets such as India and China cannot match. We cannot compete on a purely cost-commodity basis; nor should we try. We're successfully making the transition to a high-skilled, value-added economy.

Do you still oppose the minimum wage, or do you accept you got it wrong when you vocally opposed its introduction? P Johansson, by email

I was not even at the CBI when it was introduced. I have never opposed it. I believe it has succeeded in this economy because it has been set at a level that has not created unemployment or inflation. The UK labour market remains healthy with high employment rates and low unemployment. Though some smaller business may find the minimum wage a challenge, it is important employees are fairly remunerated for their efforts; this makes for a productive workforce.

Are you worried that strikes by mail and prison workers signal a new wave of union militancy? Roland Morgan, by email

Strikes never resolve anything and often cause irreparable damage to job creation opportunities in the long run. It's only when people get round a table and talk that issues are resolved.

After the cut and thrust of the private sector, do you find politics frustrating? David Wainwright, Canterbury

Government is certainly different from the private sector, but after four months in the job, we're beginning to adjust, making allowances on either side. Actually, I've been pleasantly surprised. My team at UKTI is plugged in to business, focused on selling the UK's strengths and provides an excellent interface between government and the private sector.

Do you despair of the low quality of politicians, or have your views changed since becoming a minister? Natasha Wilkinson, by email

Politics, like all walks of life, has a mix of talents. Politicians work harder than they get credit for.

Why is your relationship with TUC leader Brendan Barber so poor? Linda Edwards, Little Hampton

Is it? I hadn't noticed!

Can business growth ever go hand in hand with reducing greenhouse gas emissions? Polly Anderson, by email

Yes, and I believe it absolutely has to if we are serious about tacking climate change. As we move towards a low-carbon economy, combating the effects of climate change and developing energy efficient technology is presenting new opportunities for business. With the introduction of the Climate Change Bill, the UK is aiming to be the first country to have a legally binding, long term framework to cut CO2 emissions and adapt to climate change. Businesses should be looking at how they can innovate and exploit the opportunities stemming from the new legislation. I reckon the next Bill Gates will be the deliverer of a highly technological solution to some of our climate change challenges; I want them to be British.

You've had a bad press with environmentalists. Do you think global warming isn't worth fighting, or natural habitats not worth protecting, if that has to involve some lifestyle compromises by most people? Jim Roland, NW11

It is a shame so many NGOs are so one-sided in their views and don't support worthwhile compromises. Scientists have confirmed beyond all reasonable doubt that global warming and climate change are the biggest global challenges we face. The evidence is compelling, the implications profound. We must act now to reduce the impact of climate change.

Are you now pressing very hard to reverse the decision to keep public sector final-salary pensions at 60, which is the stance you took at the time of the Turner report?Laurence Ward, Oakham

Turner sets out starkly the choices facing us all when preparing for our retirement. No part of our society is immune to the challenge.

Do you think the level of City bonuses has got out of hand? Leroy Chandler, Stratford

Every industry rewards its people in different ways. It is important we attract and retain top players in the UK to deliver the corporate profits that contribute towards schools, hospitals and public spaces. This has a positive spill-over effect for the whole country.

Should we be worried about the level of foreign ownership of companies in the UK? Victor Donally, by email

The UK is one of the most open economies in the world. We welcome foreign investment for the jobs, wealth and prosperity it creates. We must shape our own response to globalisation. We believe in breaking down trade and investment barriers, a message we need to take to the world. Increased trade creates jobs and wealth and can be a powerful force for development. It brings access to cheaper goods and can increase prosperity across the world. But in other parts of the world we've seen protectionist influences. Countries have a simple choice: to retreat behind national borders and hope that we can keep the tide of globalisation at bay, or have the confidence in our ability to face it head on and make globalisation a force for good for all our people. We are the most successful major economy in Europe, and the most open, not a coincidence.

Do you think we are heading into a recession? Howard Sharp, by email

The UK is in an unprecedented period of stability with low inflation and sustained economic growth. The UK economy is experiencing its longest unbroken expansion on record and the longest unbroken expansion of any G7 economy in post-war history. There are no guarantees but there is clear momentum inthe economy which will translate into continued growth. The UK economy has proved resilient to several shocks over the past decade, and its macroeconomic framework and economic fundamentals can be expected to deliver continued economic stability, absorbing the challenges of globalisation from oil prices to the credit crunch.

Should British companies be banned from investing in states such as Burma? Flo Harris, Glossop

The UK Government discourages trade and investment with Burma, and UK Trade and Investment provides no support for commercial dealings there. Businesses should carefully consider the potentially harmful consequences to the Burmese people.

To what extent, if any, should the House of Lords be reformed? Hilary Runciman, Stoke Newington

It is important that we retain an upper house, to provide important checks and balances, with people from all walks of life bringing their experience to help national decision-making.

You have worked with disabled charities. Do you think disabled people now have equal access to jobs? Peter Jones, by email

This is an issue very close to my heart. In the UK, we have made terrific strides forward but we cannot be complacent. It is vital that people with a disability feel empowered and are presented with opportunities. We must continue to show employers the benefits and the huge potential that disabled people have to offer and the real difference they can make.

Did you enjoy your time in the Royal Navy? Karl Ashley, Middlesex

I loved it. I served in the Mediterranean, the Far East and the North Sea. I learnt a huge amount about leadership, how to get the best out of people and most of all, I did learn a lot aboutmyself.

Do you know any good jokes? If you do, will you share them with us? Paul Frater, Manchester

To succeed properly, a good joke needs timing, an audience and it must be told well.