Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what selection criteria were used to appoint the head of the EU Unit.

The new Permanent Secretary Head of the Europe Unit requires a strong track record in advising ministers, working closely with international stakeholders and building collaborative relationships to deliver government objectives. The role also requires high level strategic capabilities and the ability to craft and present a strong vision which others can unite behind. The Cabinet Secretary chose to move Oliver Robbins, an existing Permanent Secretary, into this critical position. Oliver Robbins has the experience and skill to meet all the requiremnts of the job having worked in number of critical departments including HM Treasury, Cabinet Office, in the EU Secretariat, and Home Office. As Principal Private Secretary to two Prime Ministers and as Deputy National Security Adviser, he has extensive experience in advising ministers and working with international partners. As Second Permanent Secretary at the Home Office he has set the overall strategy and policy for immigration, an area which will be of key importance during the negotiations of Britain’s exit from the EU.