Michael Ellam Appointed to Lead EU Relations

Michael Ellam, a former aide to Gordon Brown, has been appointed as the second permanent secretary for European Union and international economic affairs in the Cabinet Office under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. His role will focus on resetting the UK's relationship with the EU, enhancing economic and security ties, and managing the EU relations secretariat, which aims to facilitate closer cooperation on trade and defense. Ellam brings extensive experience from his tenure at HSBC and 20 years in civil service, including a previous role as Downing Street's director of communications. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds emphasized Ellam's expertise will be crucial in overcoming trade barriers and addressing shared global challenges. This appointment marks a strategic move by the Starmer government to improve ties with Brussels post-Brexit without reversing the decision. Ellam expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the civil service to support the government's objectives.