The UK is to recognise João Vale de Almeida as EU ambassador in a climbdown from Boris Johnson’s Government.
Previously the UK had insisted the EU could not have an ambassador as it was a multi-national body rather than a country in its own right.
Westminster officials argued while Mr Vale de Almeida had not been granted ambassador status before, he was unimpeded in going about his duties and responsibilities.
The European Commission saw the decision as a lack of respect for the EU.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab was saying as late as Sunday: “The EU’s not quite an international organisation, it’s not quite a normal state.”
However, hinting at an eagerness to end the diplomatic dispute that has helped add to friction between the UK and Brussels, he added: “We will treat our EU partners with all of the respect that they rightly deserve.
“We’re looking forward to turning the page on over the Brexit saga.”
More to follow…
