Olly Robbins Appointed New UK Foreign Office Chief

Oliver Robbins has been appointed as the UK's new Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), succeeding Sir Philip Barton, who stepped down after five years. Robbins, who previously served as the chief Brexit negotiator under Theresa May, brings extensive experience in international affairs and national security, which is crucial given the current global challenges, including the return of Donald Trump and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed confidence in Robbins, stating he is the right person to help reorient the FCDO towards growth and migration while enhancing national security. Robbins, who left the civil service in 2019, previously worked at the consultancy Hakluyt and has been recognized for his dedication and professionalism during his tenure. His appointment reflects a desire to reset UK-EU relations under the Labour government led by Keir Starmer. Despite his Brexit background, Robbins is expected to leverage his skills to navigate the complexities of the UK's foreign policy landscape.