The timetable and route to stepping outside the European Union

Q When will Britain actually leave the European Union?

A Theresa May has said Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty will be triggered “no later that the end of March next year”.

Q What does she mean by Article 50?

A This is the formal mechanism which begins the two-year negotiation for the terms of exit from the EU. Therefore, the UK will quit the EU by March 31, 2019, before the next European Parliament elections in May 2019.

Q What needs to happen before Article 50 is triggered?

A Mrs May said we have “to develop our negotiating strategy”. The EU has said negotiations must not start until Article 50 has been triggered. But it is highly likely that Mrs May will attempt informal discussions at scheduled meetings of European leaders in the first few months of 2017.

Q What happens after Article 50 is triggered?

A The leaders of the other 27 EU member states will meet to agree a response to Britain’s demands. Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, will respond to Mrs May after about six weeks, making clear the EU’s negotiating position – formally firing the starting gun for talks.

Q How will British law adapt to being outside of the EU?

A Mrs May said she will introduce a Great Repeal Bill which – once passed by Parliament – will replace the European Community Act 1972. This will convert the body of existing European law into British law. MPs and peers will then for the first time in more than 40 years be able to change laws previously imposed by the EU.