Chinese 'vetoed Briton' for EU post
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Brussels is at the centre of a new dispute over the way it fills senior posts after an MEP said a constituent was deprived of a job because he is British.
Brussels is at the centre of a new dispute over the way it fills senior posts after an MEP said a constituent was deprived of a job because he is British.
Neil Howcroft was given a verbal offer of the job as European Union representative in Macau, the former Portuguese enclave that has now returned to Chinese rule, and sent a letter, only to lose out after months of silence from Brussels.
Mr Howcroft said he was privately told the position was going to someone else because Chris Patten, European Commissioner for external affairs, had promised that the Chinese government would have a stake in the appointment.
Neil Parish, Mr Howcroft's MEP, said: "There was a policy change ... the Chinese government was offered a choice in the nationality and I think they vetoed a Brit."
A spokesman for Mr Patten denied this and said that there was "consultation with the Macau authorities but not with the Chinese".
The commission said that when it proved practically impossible to fill the vacancy speedily, the job was opened up to a number of applicants, one of whom - a non-Briton - has been now selected.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments