Sir Mark Sedwill, the head of the civil service, has declared that Brexit is "unsettling" his colleagues and has pledged to go "on the road" to listen to concerns, according to a letter leaked to Sky News.

In the letter, the cabinet secretary declares that he is "mindful of my own constitutional responsibilities", but goes on to say he will "resist attempts to draw the civil service into the arguments" around the implementation of Brexit.

He acknowledges that Boris Johnson's government has begun at "breakneck" pace as it "seek(s) to deliver Brexit by 31 October".

Exclusive - Civil service under strain



Letter from Sir Mark Sedwill, head of the civil service, to colleagues has been leaked to Sky News



- Says brexit is “unsettling” civil service

- He’s on a listening tour this month 🥶

- “mindful of my constitutional role” pic.twitter.com/NxFS3pToQn — Sam Coates Sky (@SamCoatesSky) September 30, 2019

The letter appears to be an attempt by the most senior civil servant to steady a nervous organisation beset by accusations they are trying to frustrate Brexit.

Sir Mark wrote to senior staff last week to announce he will be out of Westminster for much of September, despite being just weeks away from the deadline to leave the EU.


"I am spending much of this month on the road to see the wider public leadership and our partners in the private sector and civil society countrywide to ensure I understand clearly the challenges and pressures at the sharp end," he wrote.

The news of a listening tour at this critical and hectic juncture has surprised some officials and is likely to raise questions about how central Sir Mark is to both Brexit negotiations and no-deal preparations.

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The letter suggests he recognises the pressure civil servants feel as a result of Brexit.

He wrote: "I realise that this is an unsettling period. Brexit polarises public opinion and civil servants are not immune from those pressures.

"The record level of public trust in the civil service is a precious asset we must all protect.

"At the heart of that trust is the citizen's confidence in our commitment to our values and serving with integrity the governments they elect.

"Our advice must be candid. Our attitude must be can-do.

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"Rest assured, I am mindful of my own constitutional responsibilities, but I will continue to resist attempts to draw the civil service into the argument.

"They are political issues and they are politicians to resolve."