UK to trigger Brexit process on March 29

The British government is set to officially kick-start the process of exiting the European Union next week, after the country’s EU Ambassador informed the office of the European Council’s head about the date.

A spokesperson for Downing Street confirmed that the process would commence on March 29, enabling the government to adhere to its March-end deadline.

There had been speculation that Brexit could be triggered earlier this month after the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, authorising the government to start negotiations, passed through both Houses of Parliament unamended and received Royal Assent on Thursday.

Britain will be the first country in the EU to trigger Article 50 — a section of the Treaty of Lisbon that sets out how a member state could commence the process, with negotiations on the European side conducted by the Council, following consent of the European Parliament. A country will cease being a member of the EU two years after triggering Article 50, unless it reaches an agreement with the European Council to extend that period.

The triggering of Article 50 will take place after a crucial meeting of European heads of government in Rome over the weekend, for the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties, at which leaders are expected to adopt a declaration on their vision for the future of the union.

Donald Tusk, the head of the European Council, said that within 48 hours of the triggering of Article 50, he would present draft guidelines to the remaining 27 member States.

Britain set out the parameters of what it hopes to negotiate in a white paper earlier this year, making it clear that it plans to end freedom of movement from the EU and that it would be willing to end its membership of the single market and the European Union Customs Union to this end.

In addition to its negotiation with EU partners, the UK will face a “legislative challenge” with the reams of the legislation that will be necessary, leaving little space for non-Brexit-related legislation, think tank The Institute for Government said in a report published on Monday. “Making a success of Brexit will require a large volume of legislation to be passed through the Parliament against a hard deadline.”

It estimates a total of 15 pieces of legislation, on top of the “Great Repeal Bill”, which will enshrine aspects of EU legislation that Britain wanted to retain in British laws, ahead of Brexit taking place.

The announcement of the timing for triggering Article 50 is likely to offer markets and businesses, preparing for Britain’s exit, a degree of certainty.

“It’s clear that the UK and the EU are now locked into the process…the ifs and buts and doubts have been put to one side; it’s going to happen,” said Manoj Ladwa, CEO of India Inc, and former advisor to the electoral campaign of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The question is how prepared are the UK and the EU to have a strong and mature conversation that will result in a win-win situation for people and businesses. What Indian businesses want is certainty, clarity and ultimately that their voice is heard.”

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