Concerns are mounting over the UK’s strategic positioning as critics warn that a failure in trade policy could prompt belligerent powers to pivot eastward, undermining the Aukus defense deal. Top Tory voices have condemned the Prime Minister’s inability to appoint trade envoys for key markets such as Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Mongolia. This shortfall, they argue, signals that the critical mineral supply chain is not being taken seriously.
Mongolia, a country bordered by Russia and China, now appears poised to pivot towards both powers. The nation has recently invited Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng to meet with its leadership, an initiative that may realign its longstanding ties with Western partners.
Ex-Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski, who once held the role of trade envoy under the former Conservative Government, saw his post scrapped in recent appointments, further exacerbating concerns.
Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty has voiced his “concerns” about the Government’s capacity to diversify supply chains. Speaking to GB News, the Huntingdon MP, a former British Army captain, warned of diminishing UK influence in Mongolia.
He stated, “The past months have seen a marked uptick in global diplomatic engagement with Mongolia. Vladimir Putin, President Erdogan, and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng have all held meetings with the country’s leadership. The Government should therefore explain why we appear to be conceding UK influence and our relationship with a deeply mineral-rich country.”
A former Whitehall insider added, “In a pre-war age, critical minerals have never been more essential to bolstering our defense capabilities. The Government must look to engage with nations such as Mongolia who are increasingly pointing East.” Demand for these minerals, crucial for constructing nuclear submarines, is expected to increase four-fold by 2040, driven by the global energy transition and intensifying geopolitical competition.
The threat of Russo-Chinese influence on the Aukus pact has been highlighted in recent media coverage, with ex-Trade Minister Sir Conor Burns emphasizing Mongolia’s potential role. He told GB News, “As a key supplier of the critical minerals which will power the global energy transition the Mongolian government should be positioning itself to maximize its advantage and attract inward investment not deter it. The critical minerals supply is also essential to Aukus and the UK Government must not turn a blind eye to this.”
Further complicating matters, Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord expressed disappointment over Mongolia hosting Putin, while now-Shadow Foreign Minister Alicia Kearns warned, “It is particularly clear that we need to confront the weakness created by our dependency on a single state: China. These minerals power modern life and if China pulls the plug, we will all pay the price.”
Amid these tensions, the Department of Business and Trade maintains that its new global growth team of Trade Envoys will work to unlock new markets and secure the future of Britain’s critical mineral supply chain.
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