Fears after Government lawyer quits over plans

THE resignation of the head of the Government’s legal department, reportedly over suggestions Downing Street will seek changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol, has been branded “an incredibly serious situation” by the Stormont Justice Minister.

Yesterday, the Attorney General’s Office confirmed that Sir Jonathan Jones had resigned as the permanent secretary of the Government’s legal department — the sixth top civil servant this year to quit.

The Financial Times reported Sir Jonathan quit due to a dispute with Downing Street over suggestions it will challenge parts of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

A spokesman for the Attorney General’s Office said: “I can confirm Sir Jonathan has resigned but cannot comment further.”

In a tweet, Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long described it as “an incredibly serious situation”.

She said: “When the head of the Government’s legal department resigns over a decision to rewrite the protocol, surely it’s time for everyone, regardless of views on Brexit to sit up and take notice of what [Government] is becoming.”

It comes amid growing tensi ons between officials and Downing Street as Boris Johnson and his top aide Dominic Cummings plan an overhaul of Whitehall. Labour’s shadow attorney general Lord Falconer tweeted: “Jonathan Jones impressive lawyer and very decent person. Loyal civil servant.

“If he can’t stay in the public service, there must be something very rotten about this Government. Reckless, law breaking, trashing the best of the UK.”

Meanwhile, the UK’S chief Brexit negotiator has taken his seat in the House of Lords.

Lord Frost was introduced to the upper chamber ahead of crunch talks with his Brussels counterpart Michel Barnier to broker a future trade deal.

The 55-year-old will sit as a Conservative peer.

In addition to his role as Boris Johnson’s chief Brexit negotiator, Lord Frost has also been appointed to the key post of national security adviser. This has also led to criticism because unlike previous holders of the post, Mr Frost is a political adviser rather than a career civil servant, and lacks security experience.

He replaced Sir Mark Sedwill, who is also stepping down as Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service, amid reports of clashes with Mr Cummings.