Briton becomes Europe''s first foreign minister; Labour peer was surprise choice for role.

Byline: GEOFF MEADE

GORDON BROWN insisted last night that Britain would remain a powerful voice in Brussels after Labour peer Baroness Ashton was appointed as the European The Lancashire-born peer was the surprise choice of the 27 EU heads of government - including the Prime Minister - after Tony Blair's candidacy for the European Council presidency was quashed.

Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy was named as Europe's first President, with Baroness Ashton of Upholland as High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy.

Mr Brown, who had lobbied for his predecessor, Mr Blair, to get the top job, said Mr van Rompuy had a reputation for "integrity and resolve" and the necessary qualities as a diplomat, statesman and negotiator.

The Prime Minister said he still felt that Mr Blair would have been "excellent" for the job, but said it had become clear that the European centre-right parties wanted one of their own members as President.

He added that Baroness Ashton, who will also be vice-president of the European Commission, would maintain the UK's role in the EU.

The appointment means, however, that Britain has surrendered its influence over trade affairs - Baroness Ashton is currently EU Trade Commissioner.

"It gives Britain a powerful voice both within the European Council and the Commission," Mr Brown said. "It will ensure, of course, that Britain's voice is very loud and clear. It will ensure that we will remain, as I want us to be, at the heart of Europe.

"In this role, Cathy Ashton will have a unique role over the next five years in shaping the global Europe of the future.

"She will be the first permanent chair of the Baroness Ashton European Union foreign affairs council, she will represent Europe on the world stage in negotiations with the United States, China, India, Russia and other countries."

Baroness Ashton, a former Leader of the House of Lords, who has risen rapidly under Mr Brown's premiership, described her job as "a challenge".

She said: "I am very honoured and proud to have been asked to take on this role.

"It is a challenge. I was the first female UK Commissioner, first female trade Commissioner and now first female High Representative.

"I will make sure I represent our values across the world, and I will endeavour to do inmy own way the best that I can."