A former assistant to Gordon Brown has been chosen to help Sir Keir Starmer improve the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU). Michael Ellam, who worked as Brown’s spokesman when he was Prime Minister, is back in a new role focusing on the EU and international economic matters in the Cabinet Office.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, a government minister working on EU relations, expressed that Ellam will be a significant help. Ellam will lead discussions between the UK, the EU, and major international groups like the G7 and G20. He will also manage a team in the Cabinet Office that aims to strengthen ties with Brussels.
Ellam returned to the Civil Service after spending a decade with HSBC as the chairman of public sector banking. He said, “I am very happy to take on this role and to come back to help the government after being in the private sector for ten years. I am eager to work with the Prime Minister and others to meet our goals with this important task.”
The Prime Minister wants to build better economic and security connections with Europe to mend relationships after Brexit. Thomas-Symonds stated, “It’s great that Michael Ellam is joining us to help overcome trade challenges, keep people safe, and face global problems like illegal migration. The Prime Minister has a clear plan to improve lives. Michael’s experience in international finance will be very important as we aim for economic growth through better relations with the EU.”
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