January 5, 2017: Tim Barrow will be the new ambassador of UK to the EU. His appointment comes after Barrow’s predecessor Ivan Rogers resigned just weeks before formal Brexit negotiations are due to begin.
In a leaked email, Rogers attacked the government’s approach to the negotiations accusing it of ‘ill-founded arguments and muddled thinking’ over leaving the EU.
Confirming his replacement, Downing Street said Barrow is a tough negotiator who will help the government make a success of Brexit. Barrow is a career diplomat who joined the Foreign Office in 1986. He has had two previous spells working as part of the UK’s Permanent Representation to the EU (UKRep).
“I am honoured to be appointed as the UK’s Permanent Representative to the EU at this crucial time. I look forward to joining the strong leadership team at the Department for Exiting the EU, and working with them and the talented staff at UKRep to ensure we get the right outcome for the United Kingdom as we leave the EU,” he said.
However, not many are happy with Barrow’s appointment. Some believe that the role should have been handed over to a committed Brexiteer.