Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the remit is of his Department's Europe Unit; how many staff the Unit is intended to employ; who is currently employed in the Unit; and what the proposed budget for the Unit is for the current financial year.

What is the remit of the Europe Unit?

The Unit was established to support the development and implementation of the Government's strategy for an orderly withdrawal from, and establishment of, a new partnership with the European Union. Its main roles are to:

- provide the Prime Minister with advice on the development of the Government's approach;

- support cross-Government decision-making; and

- work with departments to advocate and deliver the Government's position with European partners.

How many staff does the Unit intend to employ?

The Unit is forecast to employ about thirty staff.

Who is currently employed in the Unit?

Oliver Robbins, Europe Adviser

Five Deputy Directors

Six Cabinet Office Band As

Seven Cabinet Office Band Bs

What is the proposed budget for the Unit for this current financial year?

The full year out-turn will become available when the Cabinet Office 2017-18 Accounts are published in Summer 2018.