Civil servants were 'in tears' after Brexit vote, says Lord McDonald who admits he voted to Remain in EU

Foreign Office officials were left devastated and in shock following the Brexit referendum, according to Lord McDonald, former Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign Office. In an interview for Laura Kuenssberg's new BBC 2 series State of Chaos, Lord McDonald revealed that the main feeling within the Foreign Office after the vote was one of mourning. He described how people were in tears and in a state of shock. Lord McDonald also admitted that he voted to remain in the European Union and decided to inform his colleagues and ministers of his decision. This goes against the Civil Service code which states that officials must remain impartial and keep their political views private.

Foreign Office mourns the Brexit vote

In an interview for Laura Kuenssberg's State of Chaos, Lord McDonald, former Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign Office, shed light on the atmosphere within the department after the Brexit referendum. Describing it as a state of mourning, Lord McDonald revealed that people were left in tears and in shock. The Foreign Office, known for its impartiality, was forced to face the reality of Brexit.

Lord McDonald admits he voted Remain

In a surprising revelation, Lord McDonald admitted that he voted to remain in the European Union. Going against the Civil Service code which requires officials to remain impartial, Lord McDonald decided to inform his colleagues and ministers of his decision, as he believed they would assume he voted to remain anyway.

Impartiality questioned

The admission made by Lord McDonald has raised questions about the impartiality of civil servants and whether they should disclose their political views. Former Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen MacNamara expressed surprise and questioned the usefulness of such disclosure.

Treasury aimed for soft Brexit

Laura Kuenssberg also interviewed former Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond for her State of Chaos series. She asked him if the Treasury attempted to block Brexit during his time in office. Hammond responded by saying that the Treasury was certainly aiming for a soft Brexit and saw no reason to apologize for it.

Tune in to watch Laura Kuenssberg: State of Chaos on BBC Two, Monday 11th September at 9pm.