The Council of the European Union has announced the appointment by the UK government of Sir Jon Cunliffe as permanent representative of the United Kingdom to the European Union. He took up his duties on 9 January. Cunliffe has served as the UK prime minister’s advisor on Europe and global issues, as UK sherpa for the G8 and G20 and as Cabinet Office permanent secretary responsible for EU coordination. Previously, he was secretary at HM Treasury, managing director of the Macroeconomic and International Finance Directorate and occupied various posts in the British government Department of Environment and Transport, including dealing with EU environment and transport policy issues.