London – by Rosita Pirulli
Sir Ivan Rogers, UK’s ambassador to the EU, has stepped down amid Brexit procedures.
He announced the news on Tuesday, blowing up critiques and celebrations in the House of Parliament.
Lord Mandelson, the former EU trade commissioner, and Nicholas Macpherson, the former treasury chief, considered his resignation as a “serious loss” for the UK, especially during the beginning of negotiations with Europe. Sir Rogers conducted, under David Cameron’s government, the renegotiation with EU before Brexit and he is described as the most experienced diplomat in the Whitehall. As a result, for most of the MPs and senior officials his departure is not a good thing.
On the other hand, this news has highlighted new and positive intentions for the pro-Brexit political side: the former ambassador was seen as a pessimistic image by the pro-Brexiteers. In fact, Nigel Farage recommended: “I think it would be appropriate if a lot more people in that position, British ambassadors, left. The world has changed. The political establishment in this country and the diplomatic service just doesn’t accept the vote.”
When the ambassador revealed the 10 years process to negotiate a free-trade deal with Europe, he received critiques by the Eurosceptics, who are now willing to welcome an optimistic image capable to lead the UK towards a great future.
Regarding Rogers’ discharge and replacement, Nigel Farage added: “She (Theresa May) should welcome it with open arms and put a firm Brexiteer in the position. Somebody who recognises that the world has changed, somebody tough, so we can get on with Brexit.”
In the meantime, concerns have affected both political sides: if the triggering of the article 50 starts by the end of March, as it wishes, the next ambassador should be elected as soon as possible. However a source from the Whitehall declared that: “It (Rogers’ departure) won’t affect any of the article 50 timetable at all.”
At the moment, comments and concerns are the only sources covering the English press; recommendations and news about the new ambassador have not been revealed yet.