Trade minister Greg Hands has hit back at claims he acted as a lobbyist for the fossil fuel industry.
Mr Hands faced accusations, following a Greenpeace investigation, that he lobbied the Brazilian government on behalf of BP and Shell to address their concerns over taxation and environmental regulation.
Labour MP Karen Lee (Lincoln) asked Mr Hands during trade questions whether his behaviour “conformed with the ministerial code of conduct”.
Ms Lee said: “A freedom of information request revealed that the minister for international trade acted as a lobbyist for oil and gas companies in Brazil around taxation and environmental licensing issues.
“Does the minister think that this is consistent with the Government commitment to lead the world in environmental protection and that conforms with the ministerial code of conduct?”
Mr Hands welcomed the question, saying it was an “excellent opportunity” to correct “misinformation” in The Guardian.
He said: “To be absolutely clear, the meeting with the Brazilian energy minister … was public at the time, I might add.
“In fact, I even put it on Twitter. It took The Guardian however six months to pick up on this.
“It’s absolutely clear the basis of the meeting was to secure a level playing field for British companies in that market and we make no apology for that.
“Brazil’s tough environmental regulations should apply equally to all companies across the ball.”
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