Outgoing U.K. envoy attacks govt.

Britain’s top diplomat at the EU quit his post with a blistering attack on the government, giving voice to what several sources say is wider frustration among officials over Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit strategy.

The early resignation of envoy Ivan Rogers means that London will now launch its negotiations to leave the EU without the guidance of one of its foremost experts on Europe.

And his letter to staff, which was leaked to the media, included unmistakable criticism of the government’s approach, straining the rules that have shielded the politically neutral civil service from elected leaders for generations.

Brexit supporters said his words were little more than sour grapes from an opponent of leaving the EU, and his departure would pave the way for a more enthusiastic champion of government policy to take over as envoy to Brussels.

Mr. Rogers, a top official for more than 20 years, said in his letter that Ms. May’s negotiating objectives were as yet unknown. He told his staff to “never be afraid to speak the truth to those in power”. Mr. Rogers called on employees at Britain’s mission in Brussels, used to leading Britain’s negotiations in the EU, to work more closely with a new government department which May has set up in London to coordinate policy over Brexit.

He said many of his around 130 staff felt “uncertainty” over their roles but hoped that by stepping aside for new leadership before the talks begin, he would “help produce earlier and greater clarity on the role that UKREP should play”.

— Reuters