October 29: Is cosying up to China really in our interests?

THANK goodness for common sense about China from Daniel Bentley of Civitas (The Yorkshire Post, October 23). Britain undoubtedly needs trade with China, but that is no excuse for our Government to shower them with gifts. The nuclear energy deal is appalling. Even the former Conservative Energy Minister Lord Howell called it “one of the worst deals ever” for Britain and we consumers will pay a very high price.

Chinese price cutting and undervaluing their currency destroyed many British businesses long before the recent steel job losses. Their record of cyber attacks, including some coming from their Army Ministry, is hardly friendly behaviour.

As for more Chinese investment in Britain, what is wrong with British investment in Britain? Have we become a Third World country already?

Once the Conservatives claimed to be the patriotic party. Not any more. On recent evidence the Chancellor looks like “Chinese George”, ready to play the Pekinese carried around in Chinese sleeves. Don’t get me wrong. I welcome Chinese visitors and students. Trade with China is important, but that’s no reason to surrender common sense and British workers’ interests to what hasn’t always been a friendly power.