Olly Robbins Appointed Top UK Foreign Office Civil Servant

The former Brexit negotiator returns to government after a five-year hiatus, taking over as permanent under-secretary at the FCDO.

Olly Robbins, known for his role as the UK's chief Brexit negotiator under Theresa May, has been appointed the Foreign Office's highest-ranking civil servant.
He replaces Sir Philip Barton, who is stepping down after nearly four decades in the Foreign Office, including overseeing its merger with the international development department.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised Robbins' extensive experience in economic and security issues across various government roles, calling him the right person to help reorient the Foreign Office's focus on growth, migration, and national security.
Robbins returns to public service after five years in the private sector, including a role at Hakluyt, a consultancy founded by former intelligence officers.
This appointment comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to reset the UK's international relations, particularly its ties with the European Union.