Article 50 to be triggered on March 29

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the European Union Sir Tim Barrow has this morning informed the office of European Council President Donald Tusk of the UK’s intention to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on March 29 2017.

This meets the UK’s longstanding commitment to trigger Article 50 by the end of March 2017.

Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis said:

"Last June, the people of the UK made the historic decision to leave the EU. Next Wednesday, the Government will deliver on that decision and formally start the process by triggering Article 50.

"We are on the threshold of the most important negotiation for this country for a generation. 

"The Government is clear in its aims: a deal that works for every nation and region of the UK and indeed for all of Europe – a new, positive partnership between the UK and our friends and allies in the European Union."