Britain’s top EU diplomat in blistering attack over Brexit
Outgoing EU envoy Ivan Rogers’ leaked letter to staff includes criticism of Theresa May’s approach, including ‘ill-founded arguments and muddled thinking’
London — Britain’s top diplomat at the EU quit his post with a blistering attack on the government, a leaked e-mail shows, giving voice to what several sources say is wider frustration among officials over Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit strategy. The early resignation of envoy Ivan Rogers means London will now launch its negotiations to leave the EU without the guidance of one of its foremost experts on Europe. His letter to staff, which was leaked to the media, included unmistakable criticism of the government’s approach, straining the rules that have shielded the politically neutral civil service from elected leaders for generations. Brexit supporters said his words were little more than sour grapes from an opponent of leaving the EU, and his departure would pave the way for a more enthusiastic champion of government policy to take over as envoy to Brussels. Rogers, a top official for more than 20 years, said in his letter that May’s negotiating objectives were as yet unknown...
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