Let the battle commence … Team Brexit square up to their Brussels adversaries
with the British on the left and the EU on the right, the negotiating teams meet for the first time yesterday. Seated from left to right, they are:
1. SIR TIM BARROW PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE EU
Having made his reputation as a Russia expert who wooed the Kremlin as our man in Moscow between 2011 and 2015, dealing with Brussels is unlikely to faze the career diplomat. Sir Tim has shunned the limelight since becoming our envoy to the EU earlier this year. He will have a key role garnering information in back-channel embassy talks.
2. DAVID DAVIS BREXIT SECRETARY
Though viewed as a leading Eurosceptic, the Tory veteran is no stranger to Brussels and knows Michel Barnier from their time as Europe ministers in the 1990s. A former SAS reservist who grew up on a London council estate, he is seen as the ideal candidate to fight the UK’s corner if faced with tough demands from the 27 other member states.
3. OLIVER ROBBINS PERMANENT SECRETARY AT THE DEPARTMENT FOR EXITING THE EUROPEAN UNION
At around 6ft 3in, the burly civil servant certainly has the demeanor of someone who won’t be messed with, but is best known in Whitehall for his fierce intellect. Only 42, the Oxford politics, philosophy and economics graduate has already served in senior roles for David Cameron, Theresa May and Gordon Brown. He was Tony Blair’s principal private secretary at only 31.
4. MARK BOWMAN DIRECTOR GENERAL, INTERNATIONAL FINANCE, AT HM TREASURY
Former economist joined the Treasury in 1995, where he has spent much of his career.
5. GLYN WILLIAMS DIRECTOR GENERAL AT THE HOME OFFICE
Experienced official who has specialised in immigration and border controls since 2010. Will be pivotal in finding a solution to one of the most controversial issues at the talks.
6. FRANÇOIS ARBAULT INTERNAL MARKET IN GOODS AND NON-FINANCIAL SERVICES CHIEF
Worked in Michel Barnier’s private office between 2010 and 2013. An all-rounder who joined the European Commission in 1995 after studying political science and law.
7. PHILIPPE BERTRAND FINANCIAL SETTLEMENT CHIEF
A key player in reaching a settlement on the contentious ‘divorce bill’ that the UK will be asked to pay. He is a highly experienced EU budget specialist with an eye for detail.
8. GEORG RIEKELES INTER-INSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS TEAM LEADER
The Norwegian is regarded as one of the EU’s most talented bureaucrats.
9. RICHARD SZOSTAK ADVISER TO JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER
Trusted by the European Commission president after helping shape his approach on major political events such as Brexit.
10. SABINE WEYAND MICHEL BARNIER’S DEPUTY
A former student at Cambridge in the 1980s and seen as one of ‘the best and brightest’ of the Brussels technocrats. The German has more than 20 years’ experience carving out trade deals for the Commission. Can be brusque but is known as a problem-solver.
11. MICHEL BARNIER CHIEF EU BREXIT NEGOTIATOR
A seasoned French official who was once called an ‘ enemy of Britain’ for trying to impose controls on the City. Ambitious, he is distrusted in some UK quarters, but is also known as an ultra-charming negotiator. Brexit role has made him a ‘rock star’ figure in Brussels. Has promised a hard-line approach.
12. STéPHANIE RISO DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATION IN BREXIT TASK FORCE
A former economist will seek to make sure the UK’s divorce payment plugs the funding gap caused by Brexit in 2019 and 2020.