Picture credit: Department for International Trade
Theresa May is seeking to revive a UK Board of Trade to help attract foreign investment into Britain after it departs the European Union.
The Tories did not specify in which areas the commissioners would be sent to, but said they "will be based overseas in nine different regions, determined by markets rather than national borders, to ensure UK trade policy is guided by local experience and expertise".
The board would seek to boost exports, bring together politicians and leading business figures to lead trade talks and "make sure the benefits and prosperity of Brexit are spread equally across the country".
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International trade secretary Liam Fox said: "There is a world of opportunity out there for the United Kingdom as we leave the European Union, but only Theresa May and the Conservatives have the plan and the ability to get the right deal for Britain."
Britain’s first Board of Trade originates from the 17th century and after several iterations became the Department of Trade and Industry, which later went through changes to become the current Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy,
The Liberal Democrats attacked the Conservatives for seeking to apply centuries old solutions to 21st century challenges.
“This plan is so outdated it's probably been written on parchment by Jacob Rees-Mogg,” said Lib Dem candidate Alistair Carmichael.
“Just 48 hours from an election, the Conservatives have run out of things to say on policing, our crumbling schools and the NHS crisis.
“No number of fancy trade commissioners jetting around the world will save us from crippling tariffs when we leave the single market.
“This is a yet another pointless, ill-considered policy thought up in Tory HQ to hide from the fact they are running out of ideas and out of time.”