British Ambassador to France Julian King (right), along with French deputies and government members, is seen during a moment of silence for slain British MP Joe Cox during the questions to the government session at the French National Assembly in Paris JuBRUSSELS, Aug 2 – The EU today named top British diplomat Julian King to the new post of security commissioner tasked with fighting terrorism, organised and cyber-crime as London prepares to quit the 28-nation bloc.
Advertisement
The new commissioner will help implement what is known as the European Agenda on Security that the European Commission, the European Union’s executive arm, adopted in April past year. “He will contribute to delivering an operational and effective security union”. “Does he really believe that inexperienced bureaucrats at the European Commission are better placed to deal with British security than British security services?” King will not attend ministerial meetings, usually a key part of a commissioner’s job.
Sir Julian’s appointment may signal a desire within the European Union to retain strong links with the British security services, which are regarded as having a relatively impressive record in countering terrorism.
EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker wants Julian King to lead the executive arm’s fight against terrorism, organized crime and radicalization.
Juncker interviewed King on July 11, and the British diplomat is expected to appear in front of the European Parliament in early autumn to seek its endorsement.
The eventual confirmation of his appointment, it was claimed, required some “diplomatic smoothing of the way” by Mr Juncker.
“We face a global terrorist threat and this announcement sends a strong signal that the security relationship between Britain and the European Union will remain of key importance post-Brexit”, said Kirkhope.
His nomination, which comes despite the fact that Britain could leave the bloc within two years, must be approved both by the European Parliament and the EU’s member states.
Advertisement
Responding to the appointment, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Theresa May said: “We welcome this decision by the President of the European Commission”. Since becoming prime minister, she has repeatedly said that the United Kingdom and the European Union will continue to cooperate on security issues once the United Kingdom leaves the bloc, a point she stressed on a visit to Paris last week. “We now look forward to Sir Julian being confirmed in the role”.
