Press release

Foreign Secretary welcomes announcement of EU Commission portfolios

Foreign Secretary on #teamjunckereu – a good outcome, and a good day for all of us who want to see a reformed EU.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Speaking today after the announcement of EU Commission portfolios, the Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said:

This is a good outcome for the EU and a vote of support for Britain’s reform agenda. We have consistently called for a Commission that will rebuild democratic accountability and restore European competitiveness. This is a team with the skills, experience and ambition to change the EU for the better.

I particularly welcome Lord Hill’s nomination as Commissioner for financial stability and financial services, where he can help drive forward well regulated, secure, financial markets – an asset to the whole European economy, and which will help support jobs and growth.

A properly regulated financial services industry is a vital economic interest for the whole UK – for London, for Edinburgh, for other towns and cities across Europe – and for the peoples of the EU too. It will be in good hands.

I especially congratulate my Dutch counterpart Frans Timmermans, who brings great ideas about the role of national parliaments and better regulation to his new role as Commissioner for Better Regulation, Inter-Institutional Relations, the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

This is a good day for all of us who want to see a reformed EU.

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Published 10 September 2014