The UK’s Trade & Technology Minister Edward Leigh last week accused vested interests of holding back telecommunications liberalisation in Europe. Speaking at the Telecommunications Managers Association show in Brighton, he told users that, while the UK had set an example of liberalisation that the rest of Europe was following, We should not underestimate the influence of some entrenched vested interests who in many cases are rehearsing arguments about the dire effects of telecommunications competition. He said the government was using its presidency of the European Community to force the pace of change, but urged users to press for liberalisation both at national government level and directly to the Community. Leigh also said that from now on the Department of Trade & Industry plans a much closer sponsorship relationship with UK services and products suppliers. He said he wanted to offer them support at least the equal of that available to their counterparts in our major competitor countries.