What is Brexit, when does Britain leave the European Union and what will happen after March 29 2019?

THE UK and the European Union are now on a countdown to B-day as both sides try to reach a deal before the clock strikes midnight on March 29, 2019.

Discussions are underway to the future relationship between the Britain and EU following months of negotiations.

The UK voted to leave the European Union in a move dubbed ‘Brexit’PA What is Brexit?

Brexit is the merging of the words “Britain” and “exit” following the vote to leave the EU.

The term has been widely used ever since the idea of a referendum was put forward.

More than 30million people voted in the June 2016 referendum with a turnout of 71.8 per cent. Leave won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent.

People now talk about “soft” and “hard” Brexit in reference to how close the UK will be to the EU post separation.

The road to triggering Article 50 – which saw Britain officially start the process of leaving the EU – had been paved with complications for the PM, including a Supreme Court case ruling MPs needed to vote on Brexit negotiations.

But it was triggered on March 29 2017, meaning the official departure date and move into the transition phase will take place on March 29 2019.

Article 50: What it says

Any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements. A Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention. In the light of the guidelines provided by the European Council, the Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement...

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