The UK Government’s recruitment of a new Permanent Secretary for European Union and International Economic Affairs has ignited a fierce debate, particularly after it was revealed that the role offers a salary of up to £200,000, exceeding that of the Prime Minister by £35,000. This announcement has raised eyebrows, especially among Brexiteers, who argue that the position undermines the UK’s independence post-Brexit and proves the Prime Minister’s lingering Europhile tendencies. While some view the new position as essential to fostering improved relationships with the EU, others see it as a wasteful expenditure amid ongoing austerity measures.
In this blog post, we will explore the details surrounding the role, the criticisms it has received, and the potential implications for UK-EU relations.
The Role and Its Responsibilities: What’s at Stake?
The Permanent Secretary for European Union and International Economic Affairs is a senior civil servant role designed to spearhead the UK government’s interactions with the European Union and manage international economic affairs. The position offers an impressive salary range of £153,000 to £200,000. This role will not only oversee the UK’s EU relationship but also shape the future direction of international economic policy, including the UK’s dealings with the G7 and G20.
Some of the key responsibilities for this role include:
- Leading the UK’s relationship with the EU post-Brexit.
- Working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
- Managing international economic affairs, ensuring the UK remains competitive on the global stage.
- Advising the Prime Minister and Minister for European Union Relations on EU matters.
It’s a high-profile role aimed at “resetting” the UK-EU relationship, as outlined by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during the general election campaign. The idea is to build a stronger, more cooperative relationship with Brussels while also protecting the UK’s sovereignty.
The Salary Controversy: Is It Justified?
The salary for the new position has sparked significant criticism, particularly due to the fact that it is higher than that of the Prime Minister. As revealed in government documents, the Permanent Secretary could earn up to £35,000 more than Sir Keir Starmer, whose total salary is £164,951. This figure includes his base salary as an MP, £86,584, as well as an additional payment of £78,367 for serving as Labour leader.
Critics argue that this is emblematic of an ongoing pro-EU sentiment within the government, despite the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe went as far as to call it “staggering,” accusing Starmer of holding onto Europhile ideals and wasting taxpayer money on a position that could ultimately benefit the EU more than the UK.
Brexit Backlash: What’s Driving the Criticism?
For many Brexiteers, this move reinforces the perception that the UK government is too eager to maintain ties with the EU, even at the expense of national interest. The new role, which is expected to be filled by someone with significant experience in Brussels, has sparked concerns that it may be an attempt to reintroduce some of the very policies that were meant to be left behind after Brexit.
- Dr Lee Rotherham, a former director of the Vote Leave campaign, was critical of the role, stating that the position was essentially “a Whitehall insider” working to build “Brussels-friendly ties.” He warned that this could lead to further concessions on sensitive issues like UK fishing quotas and the country’s defence industry, which will be reviewed in 2026.
- Priti Patel, the former Home Secretary, accused the government of “capitulating to the EU,” suggesting that the Prime Minister was abandoning the Brexit mandate and undermining UK sovereignty.
Critics argue that the British taxpayer should not be footing the bill for a high-paying position designed to maintain close ties with a trading bloc that the country has decisively voted to leave. Furthermore, with inflation and tax hikes affecting the public, many feel this job represents an unnecessary drain on resources.
Sir Keir Starmer’s EU Reset: What Does It Mean for the UK?
While the critics have voiced their concerns, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer remains committed to his vision of a “reset” in UK-EU relations. He has outlined his ambition to rebuild relationships with Brussels, particularly when it comes to trade, security, and foreign policy. Starmer’s position stands in stark contrast to the Brexit-driven approach of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the current government.
In his campaign for leadership, Starmer stressed that this reset would aim to tackle key issues such as trade barriers and security cooperation while maintaining the UK’s independence. The challenge lies in striking a balance between cooperating with the EU on issues of mutual interest without compromising the sovereignty that was central to the Brexit vote.
The Permanent Secretary for European Union and International Economic Affairs will be crucial in executing this vision. However, whether such a role will truly serve the best interests of the British people or lead to an undue influence from Brussels remains highly contentious.
The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for UK-EU Relations?
The recruitment of a Permanent Secretary with a high salary comes at a critical time in UK-EU relations. With the Brexit deal now in place, the UK must navigate its new relationship with the EU while maintaining competitive advantages in key sectors such as trade and defence.
There are key issues that the new secretary will need to address, including:
- Trade barriers between the UK and the EU, particularly around goods and services.
- Security collaboration between the UK and EU countries, especially on issues like counter-terrorism and organised crime.
- Foreign policy coordination, particularly on global issues like climate change, migration, and human rights.
The new Permanent Secretary is expected to serve as a bridge between the UK government and the EU, helping to smooth over tensions and find common ground. But with Brexit still fresh in the minds of many, the appointment of a pro-EU figure could be seen as a step back for those who wish to see a more independent UK.
Conclusion: A Controversial Appointment With Big Implications
The appointment of a £200,000 salary Permanent Secretary for EU and International Affairs has stirred up debates about the UK’s relationship with the EU and the government’s commitment to Brexit. While the government insists that this role is essential for strengthening ties with the EU, critics argue that it undermines the spirit of Brexit and wastes taxpayer money.
As the 2026 review of the UK-EU treaty approaches, the impact of this role could have long-term consequences for the UK’s sovereignty and its relationship with the EU. Whether this role proves to be a step forward in the post-Brexit era or a misguided attempt to placate Brussels remains to be seen.
photo credit: BBC
