Like many people of my generation I first became aware of Vietnam as a result of the war.  I first visited the south as a journalist in 1973 and travelled (by local buses) as far north as Quang Tri.  In 1980 I went back, first as a journalist, and later at a courier for a travel company that was taking the first British tourists to Vietnam.  In 1985 I met my wife, Nguyen Thi Ngoc, who was a guide with Saigontourist.  We married in 1987 -- in Ho Chi Minh City.

Openness and transparency is the enemy of corruption.  All British Members of Parliament are required to record their financial  interests and, if relevant, those of family members -- in a register of which is available publicly.  We are also now required to publish details of any relatives we employ, using public money.   Public companies are required to publish details of the  remuneration they pay to their directors and top management.  There are also strict rules about the funding of political parties -- it is forbidden to use public money for political purposes.  In addition, we have a relatively free press which is quick to follow up allegations of corruption and also Opposition parties who will be quick to criticise alleged corruption.

British oil and insurance companies have big interests in Vietnam.  The British Council, based in Hanoi, also runs courses in English and other subjects to improve commercial and cultural relations with the UK.  Personally, I hoping someone will start importing Vietnam's excellent coffee -- at the moment we have to wait for a relative or friend who is visiting Vietnam to bring us back a big supply.

Every country must develop a political system that is suited to its particular circumstances. I do not believe the Western model should be imposed on other countries.  There are certain principles, however, that should be common to all political systems: 1)  political leaders are there to serve the people -- and not the other way round; 2) leaders should, therefore, be accountable to the people or their elected representatives (under the British system parliament is supreme); 3) all power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, therefore it is not wise to give any individual or party absolute power; 4)  transparency, not secrecy, is the friend of good government.

Being a journalist taught me to have an inquiring mind -- and how to ask questions -- a necessary talent for an honest politician.