May counters claims of Brexit plan vacuum with speedy EU appointment
London — Theresa May moved decisively to silence mounting criticism that she has no plan for Brexit on Wednesday, by naming career diplomat Tim Barrow as the UK’s next ambassador to the EU barely 24-hours after his predecessor resigned. The UK premier’s readiness to take such a crucial decision so quickly also suggests a weakness: the criticism of her approach to Brexit must have stung. One senior figure inside the UK government said that while Barrow was clearly a fine candidate, the speed with which May acted shows she desperately wanted to regain the initiative after Ivan Rogers surprised her by resigning on Tuesday. It also indicates her desire to counter claims that she is overseeing a vacuum on Brexit policy, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the subject is sensitive. "Replacing Ivan Rogers speedily helps to avoid the impression that they’re at sixes and sevens," John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, said in an in...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.