London – Sir Oliver Robbins, a prominent figure in Brexit negotiations, has been appointed the new permanent secretary of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The appointment, made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is viewed as a deliberate attempt to recalibrate relations with the European Union.
Robbins, previously Theresa May's chief negotiator with the EU, joins the FCDO after a five-year hiatus in the private sector. This appointment stands in contrast to the approach of the previous administration, particularly during the period of intense Brexit negotiations under Boris Johnson.
The new permanent secretary's track record includes negotiating positions within various Whitehall departments, and significant experience with international trade and security matters. This experience is expected to be instrumental in reorienting the FCDO to prioritize growth and migration alongside national security objectives, in line with the government's "Plan for Change."
The move has been met with mixed reactions. While the appointment is intended to support the government's strategy of resetting relations with the EU and fostering trade ties, it has angered some Brexit hardliners.
Criticism has focused on Robbins's past involvement with EU-related issues. Hardline Brexiteers perceive his appointment as a step towards closer alignment with the EU, potentially undermining the UK's sovereignty and trade interests.
The new FCDO permanent secretary is expected to address these concerns by emphasizing the importance of both national security and global trade ties, aiming to strike a balance in UK foreign policy. This approach, however, remains to be seen in practice.
