Counting down to leaving EU

Brexit talks watershed moment

TODAY MARKS a watershed moment in the history of Britain. The start of formal negotiations with the EU about the terms on which the country leaves sets a clock ticking on determining the future for decades to come.

Last summer’s referendum vote in favour of Brexit started Britain on a journey into the unknown. As detailed talks begin, it is now up to the Government to ensure that any uncertainty is dispelled and the course is set towards a bright economic future.

Yet the Government’s difficulties make securing such an outcome all the harder. Its strong hand of just a few weeks ago is now weakened following the outcome of an election intended to increase its majority that achieved precisely the opposite effect.

An indication of how problematic Brexit could become politically will come on Wednesday, when leaving the EU will be at the heart of the Queen’s Speech. The debate on the legislative programme it sets out will undoubtedly be fractious, and a Government dependent upon the support of the Democratic Unionist Party to gets its measures through is in a far from ideal position.

Nevertheless, there are grounds for optimism. It must never be forgotten that it is in the interests of the EU’s remaining 27 members to secure a good and mutually beneficial trading relationship with Britain.

There has been much posturing and tough talk on both sides in advance of the formal negotiations. That must now cease, and be replaced by a sober and rational approach that addresses access to markets and immigration controls.

It is impossible to predict the result of the negotiations, but Britain’s people were decisive in their wish to leave the EU. The country is no less firm in its expectation that the Government delivers an outcome offering the maximum possible benefits.