Queen Elizabeth II gave her royal assent to the UK’s Prime Minister on Thursday to continue with the Brexit negotiations. The royal assent will allow the PM to trigger Article 50 for Brexit, beginning the process required to exit the European Union.
Prime Minister’s Letter for Brexit Negotiations
The British Prime Minister has said that she will send a letter to Brussels, notifying European Council of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union by the end of March.
Here is what PM’s spokesperson had to say about the royal assent.
The legislation now has royal assent. We look forward to beginning negotiations when we trigger Article 50 by the end of March.
After the Queen’s signature, Theresa May can invoke Article 50 at any time. This signature will formally start the Brexit Negotiation process, which can take up to two years to complete.
Theresa May has also said to address the British Parliament, informing lawmakers about triggering of the Article 50. The European Commission is expected to respond in a couple of days.
Here is what Theresa May had to say about the Brexit and its impact on the UK.
“This will be a defining moment for our whole country as we begin to forge a new relationship with Europe and a new role for ourselves in the world.”
The Delay in Triggering Brexit Negotiations
There are several rumors for the delay of the triggering of Article 50. One of the most common reasons stated by the media is Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement on a possible second Scottish Independence Referendum before the end of the UK’s Brexit negotiations.
There were also rumors about Queen being opposed to Brexit. By signing the bill, the Queen has quashed all such rumors. Now the UK has to take care of two of its most vital interests in Brexit, immigration and single market access.
Here is a tweet from the Queen.
Here is what the Brexit Secretary had to say about the triggering of Article 50.
“By the end of the month, we will invoke Article 50, allowing us start our negotiations to build a positive new partnership with our friends and neighbors in the European Union, as well as taking a step out into the world as a truly Global Britain.”
