Britain’s ambassador to the European Union has unexpectedly resigned weeks after he stated that Brexit could take longer than expected to sign off.
Sir Ivan Rogers told staff on Tuesday afternoon that he would quit his post early, but did not explain the reason for his decision.
He was appointed to the role of permanent representative by former prime minister David Cameron in November 2013.
Rogers, one of Britain’s most experienced diplomats on EU affairs, had been expected to play a key role in Brexit negotiations.
His resignation, just months before Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to start the formal talks, has stirred concerns that the UK will get a worse Brexit deal than it would have otherwise negotiated.
“Ivan Rogers’ resignation makes a good deal on Brexit less likely. One of the very few people at top of British government who understands EU,” said Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform.
Nick Clegg, former leader of…