UK foreign secretary Liz Truss is to take over responsibility for the UK’s future relationship with the EU, Downing Street has said, following the resignation of Brexit minister Lord Forst.
Lord Frost resigned with “immediate effect” on Saturday night, having previously agreed with the British prime minister he would leave his job in January.
Citing “the current direction of travel” of the government, as well as fears over “coercive” Covid measures and the wish for the UK to become a “lightly regulated, low-tax” economy, Lord Frost’s departure was described as a “watershed moment” in what had been an extremely damaging week for the Boris Johnson.
Downing Street said Ms Truss would take over ministerial responsibility for the UK-EU relationship, and would lead negotiations to resolve issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Chris Heaton-Harris will move from the UK department for transport to become Europe minister and will deputise for Ms Truss when needed.
Pleased to be taking on responsibility for the EU negotiations and wider relationship with the excellent Chris Heaton-Harris @chhcalling.
Thanks to @morton_wendy for her great work and wishing her the best @transportgovuk👇 pic.twitter.com/kOatXh09Op— Liz Truss (@trussliz) December 19, 2021
