Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing increased scrutiny following his dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins, a senior civil servant at the Foreign Office, with union representatives warning that the action has created a "chill" throughout the civil service.

During a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday, details emerged about what was described as an "atmosphere of pressure" emanating from Downing Street. The hearing provided a platform for discussion about the circumstances surrounding Robbins' dismissal and its broader implications for civil service operations.

Civil service union leadership has expressed concern about the impact of the dismissal on departmental morale and working relationships between political leadership and career officials. The union boss specifically cited the creation of a "chill" effect following Robbins' removal from his position.

The controversy comes amid broader questions about Starmer's leadership approach and decision-making processes. Some Labour MPs have reportedly expressed concerns about the Prime Minister's handling of various appointments and personnel decisions.

The dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins has drawn attention to the relationship between political appointees and career civil servants, particularly within the Foreign Office during a period of significant international challenges. Opposition parties have seized on the incident as evidence of broader issues with the current government's management style.

The Prime Minister's office has not provided detailed public comment on the specific reasons for Robbins' dismissal or responded to the union's characterization of the civil service atmosphere.