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Britain triggers Brexit

The letter informing the European Council of Britain's intention to leave the European Union was handed over to EC president Donald Tusk in Brussels on Wednesday.

The historic declaration, signed by Prime Minister Theresa May, sets in train a two-year process of negotiation under Article 50 of the EU treaties leading to Britain's expected withdrawal after 46 years of membership in 2019.

Mrs May told MPs it was "an historic moment from which there can be no turning back", while Mr Tusk said: "We already miss you."

In her letter to Mr Tusk, the prime minister wrote:

  • that the UK wants to agree with the EU a "deep and special partnership" that takes in economic and security cooperation
  • she believes it is necessary to agree the terms of the future partnership "alongside those of our withdrawal from the EU"
  • that in the case that no deal is reached "both sides would of course cope with the change", but that "it is not the outcome that either side should seek"
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A 'no deal' scenario would be a 'catastrophe' for the UK

President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani has said that a "no deal" Brexit scenario would be a "catastrophe for all - but especially the United Kingdom."

"The UK would be faced with tariffs, uncertainty for the car industry and financial services, increased food prices, high traffic disruptions, long lines of lorries in Dover to name just a few," he told a news conference.

The veteran Italian politician said the UK will have to fully respect its treaty obligations until the last day of membership, including its financial commitments.

"The UK will not be asked to pay for anything they had not previously agreed to," he added.

Tajani described Wednesday as a "bad day" after Britain informed the European Council of its intention to leave the European Union.

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Britain triggers Brexit

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