Brexit today – as it happened: EU leaders give Theresa May the go ahead to move to second phase of talks
Follow the latest updates here
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.European leaders have formally agreed to move to the next stage of the Brexit negotiations after deeming “sufficient progress” has been made on key issues.
It now provides Theresa May with the green light to discuss “transitional arrangements” with the EU 27 and the overall framework for the future relationship.
Announcing the breakthrough at a news conference, the European Commission President Donald Tusk also said “congratulations” to the Prime Minister on the new progress.
After meeting with her EU counterparts on Thursday, Ms May flew back to the UK in the evening after attending the EU summit, where she spoke over dinner of her wish to move to the next stage of the talks.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said the applause came because “some of us felt, including me, that she did make a big effort and this has to be recognised”.
Back in her constituency on Friday, Ms May declared she is “well on the road” to delivering Brexit after the crucial agreement was formally reached.
She said Britain would be “beginning the talks about our future relationship straight away”, adding: “There is still more to do but we are well on the road to delivering a Brexit that will make Britain strong, prosperous and secure.”
This liveblog is now closed but you can see Friday’s developments below.
Irish premier Leo Varadkar has also been speaking to journalists in Brussels during the second day of the EU summit.
"We will be talking about the transition period and the relationship that will exist between the EU and the UK," Mr Varadkar said earlier.
The Taoiseach said: "I think a lot of thinking needs to be done about that. There does seem to be quite diverse opinions as to what that should look like.
"From the Irish point of view, we would like it to look as much like the current relationship as possible but that wouldn't necessarily be the view of everyone."
Mr Varadkar said he and Ms May had a brief conversation at the margins of a meeting on Thursday night about trade talks and the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive.
Britain must "take back control" of its share of art and wine in the European Union when it leaves the bloc, MPs have heard.
Press Association parliamentary reporter Harriet Line has filed this report from the Commons.
Brexiteer Sir Edward Leigh said the EU is thought to have a wine cellar stocked with more than 42,000 bottles, and has artwork worth more than £13 million.
The Tory former minister urged the Government to "promise" to not leave the goods for European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker to enjoy.
During Brexit questions in the Commons, Sir Edward (Gainsborough) said: "The European Union is estimated to have a wine cellar of over 42,000 bottles and artwork worth more than £13 million - someone might say metaphorically looted from the capitals of Europe.
"After we leave the party, will the minister promise to take back control of our fair share of this art and wine and not leave it to Mr Juncker to enjoy?"
Brexit Minister Robin Walker replied: "(Sir Edward) raises a very interesting question - the legal basis of those assets and liabilities has been analysed in detail and accounted for in the overall settlement.
"The scope of the settlement is laid out in the joint report."
Senior business leaders have welcomed the news that talks will move onto the future trade relationship, and warned that any further delay could result in "damaging consequences" for UK investment and trade.
In a joint statement, they say:
“We welcome the fact that the European Council has approved the progression of talks to the discussion of a transition period, and a future trade relationship.
“It is our collective view that the transition period must now be agreed as soon as possible, to give businesses in every region and nation of the UK time to prepare for the future relationship. Further delays to discussions on an EU-UK trade deal could have damaging consequences for business investment and trade, as firms in 2018 review their investment plans and strategies.
“While our members will be particularly pleased that EU citizens currently living and working in the UK now have more clarity, it’s still essential that an unequivocal commitment on their future rights is made whatever the outcome of negotiations.
“We will continue to work with the government to ensure that UK firms can overcome the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that a new trading relationship with the EU and the rest of the world will bring.”
Adam Marshall, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce
Carolyn Fairbairn, Director General, Confederation of British Industry
Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive, EEF
Mike Cherry, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses
Stephen Martin, Director General, Institute of Directors
The EU guidelines have been published online here.
Here is the key paragraph on the transition period, which would see the UK remaining under EU rules such as the single market and the European Court of Justice.
All existing Union regulatory, budgetary, supervisory, judiciary and enforcement instruments and structures will also apply, including the competence of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
As the United Kingdom will continue to participate in the Customs Union and the Single Market (with all four freedoms) during the transition, it will have to continue to comply with EU trade policy, to apply EU customs tariff and collect EU customs duties, and to ensure all EU checks are being performed on the border vis-à-vis other third countries.
Theresa May has responded, describing today as "an important step" on the road to delivering a "smooth and orderly Brexit".
Labour MP Chuka Umunna, a supporter of pro-Europe campaign group Open Britain, has issed a scathing statement about the progress made.
He said: "After months of grandstanding, they are now being confronted with the sheer complexity and monumental costs that Brexit entails. They are insufficiently prepared, and they have insufficient time.
“Contrary to the claims of Brexiters who said that trade talks would begin speedily, we now won’t be able to discuss the future relationship until March at the absolute earliest. And the Cabinet has still yet to even discuss – let alone agree on – what form of relationship it wants the UK and the EU to have.
“The clock is ticking, and we are far away from anything resembling a deal."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments