Brexit

May triggers article 50 with warning of consequence for UK

British PM addresses packed Commons minutes after European council president receives article 50 letter

UK envoy Tim Barrow (left) hands Donald Tusk the letter giving Britain’s formal exit notice.
UK envoy Tim Barrow (left) hands Donald Tusk the letter giving Britain’s formal exit notice. Photograph: Emmanuel Dunand/AP

Theresa May has told parliament that she accepts Brexit will carry consequences for the UK, as a letter delivered to Brussels began a two-year countdown to Britain’s departure from the EU.

The prime minister made a speech on triggering article 50 minutes after the European council president, Donald Tusk, confirmed he had received notification. He declared that “the UK has delivered Brexit” nine months after a bruising referendum campaign.