Downing St denies that new committee to focus on keeping union together is a sign of ‘confusion and panic’
The government is setting up a new cabinet committee to focus on the union.
The Cabinet Union Strategy Committee will be chaired by Boris Johnson and “set the government’s strategic agenda” for keeping the UK together.
Michael Gove will also play a part, along with the secretaries for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost.
Downing Street rejected a suggestion that the creation of a new Cabinet committee on the Union led by the Prime Minister was a sign of “confusion and panic”.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “No, I think it demonstrates our commitment to the Union and the focus the PM has on ensuring that we deliver for all countries of the United Kingdom.”
The spokesman said that No 10 officials would continue to work in the Union unit, but the new Union strategy committee would build on existing structures.
“We have the Union policy implementation committee also which is chaired by CDL (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove) which will also meet more regularly,” the spokesman told reporters.
“The Union policy implementation committee is chaired by CDL and that will have officials and other ministers attending as required, they will obviously implement the policy that’s decided at the PM-led Union strategy committee.
“That will include, amongst others, the PM, CDL, the Chancellor, Secretary of State for Wales, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Secretary of State for Scotland and Lord Frost.”