The UK’s top diplomat to the EU has resigned.<br /><br /> The abrupt departure of Sir Ivan Rogers comes just a few months before Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to start formal Brexit negotiations.<br /><br /> Rogers, appointed by former Prime Minister David Cameron as the UK’s permanent representative to the EU in November 2013.<br /><br /> He is one of the UK’s most experienced diplomats on EU affairs.<br /><br /> He told staff on Tuesday afternoon that he would be stepping down early from his post.<br /><br /> He has not yet explained the reasons for the decision.<br /><br /> Theresa May has said she will trigger formal Brexit talks with the rest of the EU by the end of March.<br /><br /> There has been no comment so far from Downing Street and the UK Foreign Office.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> In tweets<br /><br /> Shock as Sir Ivan Rogers, UK ambassador to the EU, resigns https://t.co/nmuCNTHKCg pic.twitter.com/Hvr22YP5kF— POLITICO Europe (@POLITICOEurope) January 3, 2017<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Ivan Rogers resigns as U.K.’s ambassador to EU https://t.co/MjnQPV7VPB— WSJ Europe (@WSJeurope) January 3, 2017<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Ivan Rogers' resignation makes a good deal on Brexit less likely. One of the v few people at top of Brit govt who understand EU. CER_London— Charles Grant (CER_Grant) January 3, 2017<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> In any negotiation you need to understand the people on the other side of the table. Ivan Rogers knew the EU better than most in London.— Chris Morris (@BBCChrisMorris) January 3, 2017<br />
