The Office of the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street has published the letter sent by Theresa May to President of the European Council Donald Tusk, triggering Article 50 of the Treaty on the European Union.

The letter sets out the approach that the Government intends to take towards discussions and negotiations on the UK’s departure from the EU, which it believes are in the interests both of the UK and the rest of the EU. The letter also highlights 7 key principles that the Government hopes will shape negotiations and ensure they are smooth and successful:

1. Engagement should be constructive and respectful, in the spirit of sincere cooperation.
2. The interests of citizens of the UK and the EU should be put first.
3. A comprehensive agreement should be secured, both regarding the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and its future relationship with the EU.
4. Efforts should be made to minimise disruption and maximise certainty.
5. Particular attention should be paid to the UK’s relationship with the Republic of Ireland and the importance of the peace process in Northern Ireland.
6. Technical talks on detailed policy areas should take place as soon as possible, with priority given to the biggest challenges.
7. The UK and the EU should continue to work together to advance and protect their shared European values.

Following receipt of this notification, the Council of the EU has also published a set of draft guidelines regarding its approach to the forthcoming negotiations. The document notes the peace and prosperity that integration has brought to Europe and makes clear that the Union’s overall objective in these negotiations will be to preserve its interests, those of its Member States, its citizens and its businesses. It also highlights the significant uncertainties thrown up by the UK’s decison and their potential to cause disruption, in particular in the UK but also in other Member States.