The UK is looking for a new EU lead negotiator, as part of the government’s efforts to “reset” relations with Europe.
According to a posting on the civil service recruitment website, the Cabinet Office is looking for a new second permanent secretary to lead on the government’s relationship with the EU.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has long emphasised his belief that the UK should stabilise and improve UK-EU relations. Starmer and his ministers have invested time in visiting European capitals for talks on a variety of issues.
‘Economic matters’
The candidate will advise the PM and the EU minister on “matters relating to relations with the EU and delivering the “EU reset” and on international economic issues”, and lead around 100 civil servants that have been brought together to work on European affairs.
The government is looking for someone with “extensive experience of providing strong and visible systems leadership”, as well as diplomatic skills and experience of “leading highly complex negotiations to a successful conclusion”.
Among the issues highlighted are the Windsor Framework, the Entry and Exit Scheme, the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), as well as other border policy issues.
The salary range is £153,000 to £200,000.
‘Relationship reset’
A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office told the BBC:
“As we reset our relationship with the EU, building closer trade and security links and encouraging more investment from around the world, this new role will oversee that work.
“Reporting to the minister for EU relations, they will lead official-level discussions with the EU as we drive economic growth.”
Nick Thomas–Symonds, a key Starmer ally, was given the role of EU minister following the July general election.
Throughout the process, Labour have said that they are not seeing to overturn the Brexit agreement, but instead engage “constructively” with the EU.
Conservative shadow home secretary Priti Patel said that the move would “undermine Brexit” and the UK’s position as a sovereign nation.
Falconer
Labour had previously scrapped the role of chief trade negotiator within the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
Junior trade minister Justin Madders confirmed to parliament last week that the incumbent chief negotiator, Sir Crawford Falconer, will not be replaced after he leaves office 31 December 2024.
Falconer, who formerly worked with the New Zealand government and World Trade Organization on international trade policy, was initially appointed in 2017, as then-PM Theresa May prepared for Brexit.
He was subsequently re-appointed twice by May’s successors.