'Anti Brexit' EU envoy quit because he felt 'LEFT OUT' of Government's plans
DIPLOMAT Sir Ivan Rogers quit as UK ambassador to the European Union because he felt left out of the Government’s Brexit plans, a former British ambassador has claimed.
Craig Murray: Sir Ivan Rogers felt left out by government
Craig Murray, who once served as UK ambassador to Uzbekistan, said Sir Ivan felt he had not been “sufficiently” included in the Government’s approach to leaving the EU.
Sir Ivan resigned from his position last week as the civil servant accused Theresa May’s Government of being over-controlling in its departure from the crumbling bloc.
In a scathing resignation letter, the diplomat slated the Conservative Government for “ill-founded arguments and muddled thinking” over Brexit.
Craig Murray said Sir Ivan Rogers would have felt left out of the Government's Brexit plans
Plainly he felt he wasn’t sufficiently being included in the Government’s plans
However, the former Uzbekistan ambassador, who was dismissed from the post in 2004 following a disagreement over alleged human rights abuses in the country, said the Sir Ivan’s resignation was “unusual”.
Speaking on talkRADIO, Mr Murray said: “Plainly he felt he wasn’t sufficiently being included in the Government’s plans and he couldn’t work out what the Government’s plans were.
“It is very unusual for an ambassador to resign, I think I was the last one who did.”
Sir Ivan Rogers was appointed by David Cameron as EU ambassador in 2013
Mr Murray said it would have been difficult for Sir Ivan to continue in the post because of his pro-Remain stance.
In December, Sir Ivan sparked criticism when he privately told ministers a UK-EU trade deal could take 10 years to achieve.
“It does seem to me he is against Brexit on principle and that seems to be his prime motivation,” Mr Murray continued.
“The truth of the matter is the large majority of civil servants in the UK would be against Brexit.
“It is very difficult to carry out a policy you fundamentally disagree with,” he finished.
Sir Tim Barrow was appointed by Theresa May one day after Sir Ivan resigned
Mrs May has vowed to trigger formal talks between the UK and Brussels by the end of March.
The prime minister appointed Sir Ivan’s successor Sir Tim Barrow just a day after his resignation was announced.
Downing Street sources said Sir Tim was a “seasoned and tough negotiator” who will help the Government make a success of Brexit.
Sir Tim, who previously worked as the UK’s ambassador to Russia, said he was “honoured” with the appointment and promised to work for “the right outcome” for Britain.