Cherie’s Malaysian visit under scrutiny
The Prime Minister’s wife Cherie Blair has hit the headlines for a second week running over her engagements as a lecturer.
Although Mrs Blair is a well-known human rights lawyer in her own right, increasingly questions are being raised about her lecturing commitments.
Mrs Blair is to fly out to Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia, next month on a private visit.
Last week, Mrs Blair reportedly earned £30,000 for a lecture in Washington billed as an insider’s account of Number 10. Mrs Blair has written a book on prime minister’s spouses in history, but she faced accusations of trading on her position as Mr Blair’s wife – particularly as he was also in Washington at the time.
Mrs Blair has strongly defended the engagement saying it had been arranged for months and suggested there was an element of sexism to the criticism as Sir Denis Thatcher was not criticised over his business interests.
The Conservatives are pressing hard for a review of the ministerial conduct rules to encompass the activities of spouses.
Downing Street has refused to comment on reports that Mrs Blair has been asked to rein in her commercial activities until the rules have been clarified.
And her latest visit to Malaysia, where she will attend a breast-cancer charity event, give a law lecture and reportedly attend the launch of new luxury shopping centre, has raised eyebrows.
Bearing in mind the rules governing the ministerial code, Tory Shadow Leader of the Commons, Chris Grayling, said it must be disclosed whether Mrs Blair will be receiving any fee, hospitality or gifts.
Mrs Blair should spell out any benefits she receives given her role as the Prime Minister’s spouse, he said.
Malaysia’s poor human rights record has also been highlighted. The country has not signed up to the UN’s conventions on torture and human rights.
Whilst campaigners will be dismayed if she does not address the country’s poor record, as the Prime Minister’s wife her words will be noted and could embarrass the Government if she is too forthright.
