Today’s decision to make Britain’s Sir Julian King EU Commissioner in charge of security has been welcomed by Conservative MEP Julie Girling.
Mrs Girling, MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, said the announcement by Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker acknowledged the UK’s continuing lead role in security issues.
She said: “The terrorist threat is a global one. This shows that Britain’s expertise, co-operation and leadership on security matters will continue to be important post-Brexit, not just across Europe but across the world.
“Our Royal Navy officers are leading the EU’s anti-piracy patrols which have been so successful off the Horn of Africa, and Britain’s Rob Wainwright is director of Europol.
“Sir Julian’s CV is a prime example of Britain’s track record. It covers the UN Security Council, NATO and a spell as Chairman of the EU’s Political and Security Committee.
“I hope continued co-operation on security will be at the heart of the Brexit negotiation.”
Sir Julian is currently Britain’s ambassador to France. If confirmed in the EU post, he will replace Lord Hill, the former Financial Services Commissioner, who resigned after the Brexit vote.
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