Countdown to Brexit

Brexit bill clears UK Parliament, paving way for Prime Minister Theresa May to trigger Article 50, which sets two-year timetable for leaving EU Article 50 letter: May will officially notify EU that UK is leaving, followed by statement to House of Commons

Possible date (allowing for public holidays, French elections and four weeks’ preparation) for summit of 27 to agree final guidelines for EU negotiators led by Michel Barnier

General Affairs Council EU ministers, excluding UK, agree legal negotiating directives binding Barnier’s team Withdrawal treaty Brussels wants basic terms agreed, such as Britain’s exit bill, new border rules and rights for UK and EU expats

Target for final treaty – to allow ratification by European Parliament and majority in European Council by Mar 2019

EU leaders meet in Rome to celebrate 60th anniversary of founding treaty. British PM not expected to attend European Council President Donald Tusk gives his draft negotiating guidelines to 27 members within 48 hours of receiving letter Barnier expected to quickly reply to EU leaders with detailed recommendations on structure of Brexit talks

Talks open: Date being looked at by EU – almost a year since Britain’s referendum vote to quit. UK negotiating team to be led by Brexit Secretary David Davis

Britain leaves EU, two years after Theresa May’s letter. Date could be earlier if UK secures deal, and deadline could be extended if all agree, but Brussels wants Brexit before European elections in May 2019