The Foreign Secretary is to become lead negotiator with the EU on the Northern Ireland Protocol, following the departure of Lord Frost.

Liz Truss will take over Ministerial responsibility for the UK’s relationship with the European Union with immediate effect.

She will become the UK’s co-chair of the Partnership Council and the Joint Committee, and will lead the ongoing negotiations to resolve the problems arising from the current operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Chris Heaton-Harris will become Minister of State for Europe and will deputise for the Foreign Secretary as necessary on EU Exit and the Protocol.

The Queen has been pleased to approve the following appointments:

• Chris Heaton-Harris MP to be a Minister of State (Minister for Europe) in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office;
• Wendy Morton MP to be a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport.