Brexit 2017

The UK may start formal negotiations to leave EU in early 2017, says Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

17:10 27 September 2016

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said that UK might start formal negotiations to leave EU next year with the Article 50 letter to be produced “probably in the early part of 2017”. 

 

He explained: "The government is working towards an Article 50 letter which as you know will be produced, probably, in the early part of next year.

 

"That's still subject for discussion but what is clear I think to our friends and partners in the EU is two broad principles: we are not leaving Europe;

 

"Although we are leaving the EU treaties, we do want to have the closest possible trading relationship and it's very much in their interests to achieve that... it's very much in their interests to do a great free trade deal with us, and I think that will happen."

 

Meanwhile, European Parliament President Martin Schulz, said: "The future deal between the EU and the UK must be good for all sides and must be one which allows the UK and the EU to keep working closely together on various aspects."

 

He added: "In London I will also stress why the European Parliament favours the earliest possible triggering of Article 50, which is a pre-condition to opening negotiations."