Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo / Alexei Druzhinin AP
Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo / Alexei Druzhinin AP
A Brazilian meat scandal could have played into New Zealand's hands, but that would mean keeping trade relations with Russia.
Former PR man for Federated Farmers David Broome spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay, saying although he was a fan of a free trade agreement with Russia, one of theworld's biggest beef and dairy importers, "the events in Salisbury have actually changed absolutely everything."
Broome is referring to the nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain recently which has been blamed on the Russian government. Russia has denied any involvement.
"I've always taken the view that trade and diplomacy are two separate things," says Broome.
"We've always maintained a separation between trade and foreign affairs, but I think the risk comes when you start to militarise trade that's when you end up increasing the risk of armed conflict, not reducing it."
Also in today's interview - Keen historian Broome discusses the Western Front of World War I and has a look at James Shaw's Opposition deal over Question Time.
