A FORMER Warwick School pupil has been given the unenviable task of helping get the UK out of the European Union.
Leamington-born Sir Tim Barrow studied at Arnold Lodge and Warwick School, before going on to study at Oxford University.
The now 52 year-old, who joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1986 was Political Director at the Foreign Office before his appointment as EU ambassador. He replaces Sir Ivan Rogers who unexpectedly resigned from the position earlier this month.
But dad-of-four Sir Tim – a former ambassador to Moscow – says he is determined to get the right Brexit deal for Britain when it finally leaves the EU.
He said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the UK’s Permanent Representative to the EU at this crucial time. I look forward to joining the strong leadership team at the Department for Exiting the EU and working with them to ensure we get the right outcome for the UK as we leave the EU.”
And Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Boris Johnson, was equally delighted at Sir Tim’s appointment.
He said: “Fantastic to have Tim Barrow as new UK Representative to EU. A brilliant and highly respected diplomat who will get the best deal for the UK.”
But not everyone was happy at Prime Minister Theresa May’s choice for the position.
Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage – who said there should be a clear-out of the Foreign Office after Sir Ivan’s resignation – tweeted: “Good to see that the Government have replaced a knighted career diplomat with… a knighted career diplomat.”
And Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: “The new ambassador can be at his most diplomatic. But without a plan from this Government on where it stands on the big issues, such as Britain’s membership of the single market, then it is an impossible task.”
Sir Tim was knighted in 2015 for services to British foreign policy and interests in Russia.
