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One of the greatest arguments from Boris Johnson, Dominic Cummings and Nigel Farage during the EU Referendum was that the EU is undemocratic and that the appointment of EU Commissioners was the single proof that everyone could see; and proved the EU has no democratic basis. Well, if that is the case, then the UK Government are just as undemocratic, because it is they who have appointed new HM Trade Commissioners that no one ever voted for! Why does this matter with regard to Health and Safety at Work, Food Safety, Environmental Safety, to name just a few major issues that impact upon our lives?
The Government appointed Liz Truss MP as the International Trade Secretary and in turn she has appointed the new HM Trade Commissioners who will be responsible for promoting the UK across the World, whilst her department than negotiates trade agreements, which are held in secret and are not then ratifies by UK Parliament. Unlike the EU, our Parliament is voted in by the electorate every 5 years using the most undemocratic system in the world - the First Past The Post System. There is no direct accountability to the British people of the Government's Trade Commissioners and we will have to rely on the superior intellect of those commissioners in securing trade with countries across the planet, without any direct influence via Parliament on the terms and details of such agreements. Those appointed by Liz Truss were announced on 2nd June via press release:
International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, has named three new HM Trade Commissioners (HMTCs). They will champion British trade with some of the UK’s biggest economic partners as the Coronavirus crisis highlights just how important it is to keep trade flowing and supply chains open so we can all have the essential supplies we need. CEO of the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council, Alan Gemmell, has been appointed as HMTC for South Asia. Consul-General in Shanghai, John Edwards, becomes HMTC for China and Hong Kong. The previous HM Trade Commissioner for China, Richard Burn, has been appointed temporarily to the role of HMTC Europe. International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss said:
Permanent Secretary at the Department for International Trade, Antonia Romeo said:
£286 billion of goods and services were traded between the UK and Asian countries in 2019. The continent is also home to 6 of the top 20 fastest-growing economies in the world and the diverse and fast-growing economies of the region offer huge potential to UK business. In 2019, the total trade in goods and services between the UK and South Asia was £30 billion, an increase of 9.9% or £2.7 billion compared to 2018; and the total trade in goods and services between the UK and China and Hong Kong was £104.6 billion, an increase of 16% or £14.4 billion compared to 2018. Speaking after his appointment, HMTC for South Asia, Alan Gemmell said:
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The answer is quite simple - whoever controls Trade and makes Trade agreements must ensure that in all areas involved and in all goods imported into this country, the health and safety of the UK's citizens is uppermost in the minds of those negotiating such deals. Politics and political decision have serious consequences for the lives of us all, not only in the community but also in the nation's workplaces. Ignoring this fact is total folly. 
I’m excited to return to South Asia as HM Trade Commissioner. The UK and South Asia share deep personal links and strong business connections.
Our bilateral trade with China and Hong Kong broke £100bn for the first time in 2019 with our exports to China growing faster than any other global region. Regions across the UK also continue to benefit from Chinese investment - more than any other country in Europe.
All European countries will remain critically important trading partners for the UK, as we agree a new trading relationship with the EU.