UK ambassador to EU quits ahead of Brexit talks

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON

The U.K.’s top envoy to the European Union resigned on Tuesday, creating more trouble for the country ahead of upcoming Brexit negotiations.

Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed the resignation of Sir Ivan Rogers who previously claimed agreeing a final post-Brexit trade deal with the remaining EU states could take up to 10 years.

Sir Ivan had headed former Prime Minister David Cameron’s re-negotiations with the EU in early 2016, which were later followed by the June 23 referendum which resulted in a decision to quit the European Union.

Rogers had been appointed in 2013 and his term was scheduled to end in November this year.

Prime Minister Theresa May has insisted her government will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will formally initiate the country’s exit from the 28-member bloc, despite a U.K. High Court ruling which says British lawmakers must first consult.

The May government appealed this ruling at the Supreme Court, which took it up in December 2016. A final decision is due on Jan. 9.