UK PM May sets Brexit trigger deadline for March 2017

[webfact]

UK PM May sets Brexit trigger deadline for March 2017

Joanna Gill

 

 

LONDON: -- Breaking up is hard to do, but UK prime minister Theresa May has announced a March 2017 deadline to start the process of leaving the EU.

 

It is the first major decision made on Brexit since May came to power, and should appease her own party as well as EU countries who are keen to get the ball rolling.

 

“Now that they know what our timing is going to be, it’s not an exact date but they know it’s going to be in the first quarter of next year, that we’ll be able to have some preparatory work so that once the trigger comes we have a smoother process of negotiation.”

 

But she had no clear answers on access to the single market.

 

“I want the right deal for trade in goods and services and what we are doing at the moment, what David Davis and his department have been doing, is listening to businesses here in the UK, listening to different sectors, finding out what it is that they find, that is most important to them.”

 

Brexit means…

 

What Brexit means for the moment is a repeal of the 1972 European Communities Act. That means on exit day, expected for Summer 2019, the government could change or remove any EU laws it wishes. But it could end up dead in water if it fails to pass through parliament. The scene is set for a clash between pro and anti-EU factions.

 

 

-- © Copyright Euronews 2016-10-03

[webfact]

Britain will launch Brexit by April , prime minister says

By DANICA KIRKA

 

LONDON (AP) — Britain will begin the formal process of leaving the European Union by the end of March, Prime Minister Theresa May said Sunday, seeking to ease concern about the nation's future and the threat of reduced foreign investment and the weakening of the economy.

 

Members of the ruling Conservative Party applauded wildly as May said the British people had made it clear that they wanted a clear date for exiting the EU and that she was going to deliver. European leaders and company executives have pushed the government to say when it plans to trigger Article 50 of the EU treaty, starting talks on the U.K.'s departure, so they can begin preparing for a post-EU Britain.

 

"We will invoke it when we are ready, and we will be ready soon," she said. "We will invoke Article 50 no later than the end of March next year."

 

While the prime minister had previously hinted that she planned to initiate Britain's exit early next year, many observers had speculated she would wait until the conclusion of France's presidential election in May or perhaps even the German elections in late summer or fall of next year.

 

But basking in the glow of party acolytes, a beaming May sounded as if she had campaigned for Britain to leave the EU all along — even though she had opposed that outcome before the June 23 referendum. In what sounded like a stump speech for "leave," she hit on the emotive issues of sovereignty, immigration and world status.

 

She insisted there would be no unnecessary delays in bringing Brexit to pass — and that Britain would fight any legal challenges intended to derail the move. She sternly rejected the idea that the government would circumvent the result, making a face as she commented on those still fighting to stay.

 

Analysts said the deadline for starting the talks was welcome, but businesses still need more detail about what Brexit will mean for trade and immigration.

 

While Britain seeks to control immigration from the EU, free movement of labor is a founding principle of the bloc. This means that any restrictions on immigration are likely to result in barriers to trade between Britain and the EU, said Jonathan Portes, a senior fellow at the National Institute for Economic and Social Research.

 

"That means continued uncertainty for businesses, both those who trade with the EU and those who employ EU nationals," Portes tweeted. "What we cannot do is delude ourselves that we can 'have our cake and eat it.'"

 

In addition to setting out her timetable, the prime minister said she would ask Parliament to repeal the European Communities Act, which automatically makes EU rules the law of the land in Britain. At the same time, the government will incorporate all EU laws into British law and then repeal measures as necessary on a case-by-case basis, she said.

 

"That means that the United Kingdom will be an independent, sovereign nation," she said. "It will be making its own laws."

 

May said that by offering a timetable now, she hopes to encourage the EU to begin preliminary work that will help the negotiations go smoothly once they begin. EU leaders so far have rejected any such discussions.

 

The president of the 28-nation EU's governing European Council, Donald Tusk, offered support for her position. He had told her at a recent Downing Street meeting that the "ball is now in your court."

 

"PM May's declaration brings welcome clarity on start of Brexit talks," he tweeted Sunday. "Once Art. 50's triggered, EU27 will engage to safeguard its interests."

 

One of the biggest sticking points in any talks will be immigration.

 

The perception that EU immigrants have strained public services and changed the face of many communities was a factor for many British citizens who voted to leave the EU. May said that she intends to heed public opinion on that point.

 

"Apart from the message of leaving the European Union, I think there was also a clear message from the British people that they wanted us to control movement of people from the EU coming into the UK, so we will deliver on that," she said.

 

May also flatly rejected the idea that elements within the United Kingdom might be able to negotiate a deal for themselves. The message was clearly aimed at Scotland, which only narrowly rejected an independence move in 2014 and had voted overwhelmingly to stay in the EU. Scotland wants a place at the table because of its numerous trade ties with the EU.

 

"We will negotiate as one United Kingdom and we will leave the European Union as one United Kingdom. There is no opt-out for Brexit," May told the conference. "I will never allow divisive nationalists to undermine the precious union between the four nations of our United Kingdom."

 

Critics quickly pounced on the first tangible moves on the process in weeks. Conservative Anna Soubry, a former minister who is in the Tory pro-Europe wing of the party, told ITV that she was concerned that May would trigger the article so soon, warning that companies such as Nissan might leave without a deal on the single market.

 

"Triggering Brexit as early as March really concerns me, troubles me hugely, because we won't have had the French elections, we won't have had the German elections, and I'm sorry, it is going to take a lot of time and effort to disentangle ourselves and get the right deal," she said.

 

The opposition Labour Party asked for more clarity on the proposals. Stephen Kinnock, a member of Parliament from Aberavon, said May has yet to say what leaving will mean in practice.

 

"The Brexit process will give this government more power to re-shape Britain than any government has had since the Second World War," he said in a statement. "And yet what Brexit means is still unclear, and the government has no specific mandate for its negotiating position, assuming that it has one."

 

-- © Associated Press 2016-10-03

[Laughing Gravy]

Well about time and at last a definite answer. All those doom and gloom remainers who thought the world would end, straight after the vote have been shown up and embarrassed. Finally the UK can start making its own laws and getting rid of the rubbish ones from the EU. Getting rid of the trash and trouble makers, who keep using the European law of human rights would be one of my first priorities and sending foreign convicts back to the home country.

 

By the time the UK leaves the EU, I suspect the EU and euro will be broken and at an all time low and other countries will be invoking their own 'Brexit'. Great and exciting times ahead for the UK.

[SgtRock]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The Brexit process will give this government more power to re-shape Britain than any government has had since the Second World War," he said in a statement. "And yet what Brexit means is still unclear,

 

On many points Brexit is still unclear, that is due to exit negotiations not having started yet.

 

What is abundantly clear is the UK with not be part of the upcoming EU Federal State as espoused by Juncker at his recent '' Address to the Union '' speech.

 

Theresa May delivered a fantastic response to a question yesterday.

 

Quote

Q: So will universities and other bodies still be able to get skilled workers. Will you use some kind of work permits?

May says she wants to ensure the UK gets the people it needs.

 

But that begs the question, why don’t we have people with these skills, she says.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2016/oct/02/conservative-conference-may-to-explain-brexit-great-repeal-bill-in-marr-interview-politics-live

 

UK to be able to attract the people with the education, training, skills and experience necessary for the UK, not an open door for any waif and stray to wander through.

 

At the same time identifying that the UK has a problem in not having the same people from within.

 

A concentrated effort is required by both Government and Business / Industry to set up a system where school leavers have the opportunity to move into skills based education ( Apprenticeships ) to benefit business and the UK as a whole.

 

A little bit of sink or swim would do the UK a world of good as long as the infrastructure was in place to provide the education and training that people need.

 

Great left Britain 30 years ago, soon you will have the freedom to put it back. Use that time wisely to plan and implement what is needed to take the UK forward.

[williamgeorgeallen]

they had 2 years to sort it all out. and there is a lot of sorting out left to do. wonder what the hurry is.

[Kiwiken]

May seems to have a steady as she goes approach. Things will be worked out

[rockingrobin]

The speeches and comments were nothing more than political theater. There was no substance and  lack of objectivity , the same old mantra repeated.

As for the Great Repeal Bill I do wonder if it will be supported in Scotlands parliament

[eliotness]

Will it happen ?  I have serious doubts.  I think in the next 4 or 5 months the "elite" will finds ways of delaying things further.  IMO nothing will really happen until after the next general election and then only if UKIP win a significant number of seats.

[Grouse]

May's speech was just a sop to the party at the start of their conference. Actually the act would obviously have to happen and declaring something that won't take effect for two or three years is just disingenuous.

 

We still have no policy aims and meanwhile dark clouds are looming

 

Tell you what, let's start a debate about grammar schools to distract the peasants

[rockingrobin]

6 minutes ago, Grouse said:

May's speech was just a sop to the party at the start of their conference. Actually the act would obviously have to happen and declaring something that won't take effect for two or three years is just disingenuous.

 

We still have no policy aims and meanwhile dark clouds are looming

 

Tell you what, let's start a debate about grammar schools to distract the peasants

The Great Repeal Bill is significant if enacted as proposed, the secondary legislation returns sovereignty to the executive and not parliament

[RuamRudy]

1 hour ago, rockingrobin said:

The speeches and comments were nothing more than political theater. There was no substance and  lack of objectivity , the same old mantra repeated.

As for the Great Repeal Bill I do wonder if it will be supported in Scotlands parliament

 

The Scottish Parliament doesn't really get a say in the matter. However the Scotland Act 1998 requires that all Scottish laws are based upon EU law, so this act would need to be amended.

 

Convention states that this is a devolved matter and that the Scottish Government should amend the act accordingly, however if they refuse to do so, the UK government can override the Scottish Government and force the amendment themselve. I am very much looking forward to that one.

[Baerboxer]

2 hours ago, rockingrobin said:

The speeches and comments were nothing more than political theater. There was no substance and  lack of objectivity , the same old mantra repeated.

As for the Great Repeal Bill I do wonder if it will be supported in Scotlands parliament

 

Who cares quite frankly. Despite all the rhetoric and theater from Sturgeon and her muppets the devolved "parliaments" are nothing more than glorified councils. 

 

Scotland is not an independent country or a sovereign nation no matter how much Sturgeon tries to pretend otherwise. Interesting that May has openly said there will be no break up of the UK, reminding Sturgeon whose decision any referendum is.

 

 

[Baerboxer]

49 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

The Scottish Parliament doesn't really get a say in the matter. However the Scotland Act 1998 requires that all Scottish laws are based upon EU law, so this act would need to be amended.

 

Convention states that this is a devolved matter and that the Scottish Government should amend the act accordingly, however if they refuse to do so, the UK government can override the Scottish Government and force the amendment themselve. I am very much looking forward to that one.

 

There is certainly going to be issues now between May and Sturgeon as May seems to be starting to put Strugeon in her place.

 

Remember the latter has said she can call a referendum, she can block Brexit, and she can negotiate with the EU. At the moment that's all looking like bluster and stir up. 

[rockingrobin]

50 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

The Scottish Parliament doesn't really get a say in the matter. However the Scotland Act 1998 requires that all Scottish laws are based upon EU law, so this act would need to be amended.

 

Convention states that this is a devolved matter and that the Scottish Government should amend the act accordingly, however if they refuse to do so, the UK government can override the Scottish Government and force the amendment themselve. I am very much looking forward to that one.

Interesting footnote no 27 from House of lords constitutional committee on page13

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201617/ldselect/ldconst/44/44.pdf

 

[Grouse]

1 hour ago, rockingrobin said:

The Great Repeal Bill is significant if enacted as proposed, the secondary legislation returns sovereignty to the executive and not parliament

 

Yes this is a key point!

 

The Brexiteer numpties are going to give sovereignty to a Conservative government including several nutters instead of returning sovereignty to parliament. You couldn't make it up....

[Jip99]

17 minutes ago, Grouse said:

 

Yes this is a key point!

 

The Brexiteer numpties are going to give sovereignty to a Conservative government including several nutters instead of returning sovereignty to parliament. You couldn't make it up....

 

 

Ahh!

 

So ALL Brexiteers are Numpties.

 

 

Unintelligent, but expected, weak jibe from this poster.

[SgtRock]

21 minutes ago, Jip99 said:

 

 

Ahh!

 

So ALL Brexiteers are Numpties.

 

 

Unintelligent, but expected, weak jibe from this poster.

 

The record never changes and class seeps from every pore 

 

Hammond appears to have got his sleeves rolled up and stuck in

 

Quote

Hammond will also unveil a £3bn package to speed up homebuilding, including using surplus public land and brownfield sites, encouraging smaller builders and innovations such as prefabricated modular homes.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/oct/03/philip-hammond-to-set-out-his-stall-for-balanced-budget-at-tory-conference

 

Small steps in the right direction.

[RuamRudy]

1 hour ago, Baerboxer said:

 

Who cares quite frankly. Despite all the rhetoric and theater from Sturgeon and her muppets the devolved "parliaments" are nothing more than glorified councils. 

 

Scotland is not an independent country or a sovereign nation no matter how much Sturgeon tries to pretend otherwise. Interesting that May has openly said there will be no break up of the UK, reminding Sturgeon whose decision any referendum is.

 

 

 

Who cares? Well, the Scots possibly might: they have clearly indicated their desire to remain in the EU, and around half the population (give or take a couple of perscent) are already more than willing to leave the UK. If an unelected prime minister from a party that can only muster 1 MP in the whole country comes in and tries to show who is boss by tearing up the Sewell convention and imposing her will on us, I imagine that won't sit too well with the Scottish public at large, providing lots of juicy commentary for us mutinous separatists to exploit.

[RuamRudy]

1 hour ago, Baerboxer said:

 

There is certainly going to be issues now between May and Sturgeon as May seems to be starting to put Strugeon in her place.

 

Remember the latter has said she can call a referendum, she can block Brexit, and she can negotiate with the EU. At the moment that's all looking like bluster and stir up. 

 

Remember that, as PM, May has barely any legitimacy in the UK - and she is a none whatsoever with the people of Scotland.

 

Nicola, on the other hand, whether you like it or not, remains hugely popular in Scotland, and it doesn't matter two hoots how much she is pilloried south of the border. In fact, it helps.  

[red roger]

5 hours ago, williamgeorgeallen said:

they had 2 years to sort it all out. and there is a lot of sorting out left to do. wonder what the hurry is.

The hurry is because the Quitters want to rush it through before the S*n reading morons who fell for the lies of spiv Fuhrage and his mob finally wake up and say "what the <deleted> have we done? "

Interesting times ahead post the X Factor style referendum . I think the Quitters are in for some disappointments along the way.

[rockingrobin]

It looks like the PM statement and perception of hard Brexit is puting pressure on the pound

[Grouse]

1 hour ago, SgtRock said:

 

The record never changes and class seeps from every pore 

 

Hammond appears to have got his sleeves rolled up and stuck in

 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/oct/03/philip-hammond-to-set-out-his-stall-for-balanced-budget-at-tory-conference

 

Small steps in the right direction.

 

He's had no choice but to abandon trying to balance the budget and is going for Keynesian approach to try and stave off a recession by borrowing to invest in infrastructure. He still expects a 4% reduction in GDP. He was on Today programme, Radio 4. Thanks numpties. I'm sure you're all going to much better off under Mrs May's nice Torys.

[Grouse]

2 hours ago, Jip99 said:

 

 

Ahh!

 

So ALL Brexiteers are Numpties.

 

 

Unintelligent, but expected, weak jibe from this poster.

 

Not all, don't be silly.

 

Certainly UKIP types are numpties, but others are cynical opportunists and others just plain bad bastards. 

 

I wouldnt accuse Lawson or Bamford or Boris of being numpties. Can you guess what they are?

[Grouse]

Cable at 1.28! Well done numpties!

[thaihome]

7 hours ago, Laughing Gravy said:

Well about time and at last a definite answer. All those doom and gloom remainers who thought the world would end, straight after the vote have been shown up and embarrassed. Finally the UK can start making its own laws and getting rid of the rubbish ones from the EU. Getting rid of the trash and trouble makers, who keep using the European law of human rights would be one of my first priorities and sending foreign convicts back to the home country.

 

By the time the UK leaves the EU, I suspect the EU and euro will be broken and at an all time low and other countries will be invoking their own 'Brexit'. Great and exciting times ahead for the UK.

I don't recall anyone saying there would be doom and gloom after the vote, though there was a well founded belief there would be immediate impacts to indices that depend on forecasts of the future such as currency rates.

 

The full impact of the vote will not be known for several years, which is what most have been saying all along.  Should be interesting to see how the two mutually exclusive goals of free trade and freedom of movement are worked out,  or not.

TH

[stander]

It's a great day for democracy. Teresa May confirms Brexit will commence early next year and Hungary rejects Brussels diktat on refugees.

[ukrules]

I wouldn't get too carried away with this whole '2 year' thing, that's an ambiguous limit which was pulled out of someones ass at some point, it can be extended one year at a time against 'our' will if all EU members agree on it.

 

I have a theory of how things will progress, Thereesa May has already outlined what she's going for and we know for sure that this is not what the rest of the European member states want so there will be an instant stalemate situation.

 

There will be no free movement of people

The European courts will no longer apply

 

This leaves very little if any leeway for negotiation on behalf of the other member countries if they work within the existing European rules and regulations.

 

So I suspect it will be a so called 'hard exit' and let the chips fall where they may.

 

I really doubt that the EU will look anything like it does in two years time. The French Election early next year could put an end to the EU.

[SheungWan]

12 minutes ago, ukrules said:

I wouldn't get too carried away with this whole '2 year' thing, that's an ambiguous limit which was pulled out of someones ass at some point, it can be extended one year at a time against 'our' will if all EU members agree on it.

 

I have a theory of how things will progress, Thereesa May has already outlined what she's going for and we know for sure that this is not what the rest of the European member states want so there will be an instant stalemate situation.

 

There will be no free movement of people

The European courts will no longer apply

 

This leaves very little if any leeway for negotiation on behalf of the other member countries if they work within the existing European rules and regulations.

 

So I suspect it will be a so called 'hard exit' and let the chips fall where they may.

 

I really doubt that the EU will look anything like it does in two years time. The French Election early next year could put an end to the EU.

 

'let the chips fall where they may'......and for expat sterling holders that is the sound of the pound dropping.

[ukrules]

2 minutes ago, SheungWan said:

 

'let the chips fall where they may'......and for expat sterling holders that is the sound of the pound dropping.

 

Mere fluctuations, it's a long term thing.

[RuamRudy]

4 minutes ago, ukrules said:

 

Mere fluctuations, it's a long term thing.

 

Unfortunately some of us need to live in the short term ...