britain is leaving the european union. we are going to make our own decisions and our own laws, we are going to take control of the things that matter most to us and we are going to take this opportunity to build a stronger, fairer britain, a country that our children and grandchildren are proud to call home. that is our ambition and opportunity and that is what this government is determined to do. at moments like these, great turning points in our national story, the choices we make to find the character of our nation. we can choose to say the task ahead is too great, we can turn our faces apart and believe it can't be done or we can look forward with optimism and hope and to believe in the enduring power of the british spirit. i choose to believe in britain and that our best days lie ahead. and i do so because i'm confident we have the vision and the plan to use this moment to build a better britain. for leaving the european union presents us with a unique opportunity. it is this generation's chance to shape a brighter f

to leave the european union. i actually thing thi that when i talk to people who voted to leave and people who voted to remain, the overwhelming message is that they want the government now to get on with the job of delivering on that vote. >> thank you, mr. speaker. my right honorable friend the prime minister has made it clear both from the dispatch box and the country that she wishes to prioritize the certainty of u.k. nationals living in the e.u. 27 and e.u. nationals living here in the u.k. but i have it on good authority that the e.u. negotiators want to prioritize the so-called divorce settlement. will she make it clear to the people with whom she is negotiating that we will not countenance british and e.u. citizens being used as bargaining ships -- chips in such a way. >> my honorable friend is right. what we want to do is ensure we see both e.u. citizens living here and u.k. citizens in the e.u., reciprocal arrangements for them in terms of future status. i want to see that as an early -- as a discussion

, the strong remaining 27 in the european union, i think thatis 27 in the european union, i think i will take one more question. yes? the danish prime ministersaid... one more question. yes? the danish prime minister said... thank you so much, blonde bird tv. the danish foreign minister said that —— blomberg. brexit could take up to 50 years, is he wrong? what makes you think that it will actually be possible to do it within two years, given that we know michel barnier for example is very a kingston negotiating a parallel trade deal at the same time as a brexit deal —— very against negotiating. what makes you think it will actually be possible to do it within two years, given that we know michel barnier for example is very against negotiating a parallel trade deal at the same time as a brexit deal? well, first of all, obviously the treaty sets out that in looking when some of these countries are leaving the european union, the process which is article 50 sets out is for the withdrawal but also setting the framework for the future relationship actually should take the two years. an

britain is leaving the european union. we are going to make our own decisions and our own laws, we are going to take control of the things that matter most to us and we are going to take this opportunity to build a stronger, fairer britain, a country that our children and grandchildren are proud to call home. that is our ambition and opportunity and that is what this government is determined to do. at moments like these, great turning points in our national story, the choices we make to find the character of our nation. we can choose to say the task ahead is too great, we can turn our faces apart and believe it can't be done or we can look forward with optimism and hope and to believe in the enduring power of the british spirit. i choose to believe in britain and that our best days lie ahead. and i do so because i'm confident we have the vision and the plan to use this moment to build a better britain. for leaving the european union presents us with a unique opportunity. it is this generation's chance to shape a brighter f

and to the united -- and if the united kingdom leaves the european union, e.u. law will continue to apply to and within the u.k. finally, i would like to say that we have just released an official statement by the european council in which we stressed that we will act as one and start negotiations by for an on arrangements orderly withdrawal. on friday, i will share a proposal of the negotiating guidelines with the member states to be adopted by the european council on the 29th of april. will refer to this and i will have our proposal on friday during our press conference in the prime minister mota. what can i ask? thank you and goodbye. >> security. >> c-span, where history unfolds daily. in 1979, c-span was created as a public service by america's cable television companies and is brought to you today by your cable or satellite provider. mr. capuano: corporation corporation -- [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2017] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. visit ncica

i would like to make a statement on the next steps for article 15 and leaving the european union. this began by electing donald -g i welcome this because we have a close relationship and recognize the contribution that he's maded in office. in the council we discussed the threat for organized crime and instability in the western balkans and what is needed to build up a competitiveness that will remain important as wecohi build a new relationship in a self-governing britain. in each case we are able to show once again how we will continue to play a leading role in europe eu after we've left the european union. first on migration, i welcome t implementing action plans. this included the strengthening and returns and working to implement the deal where they are providing additional staff for interviewing the nationals. i argued we must do more to dismantle the profit and those that are subjecting many to be. unimaginable abuses. we've coordinated and committed actions we can make a differen difference. indeed just last month in operation between the nationalhe agency and the coast gu

. >> the european union's top official has received a letter from britain starting the country's exit from the e.u. european council president tweeted that after nine months the u.k. has delivered, referring to britain's june 23 brexit to vote. today's letter formally triggers two years of talk before britain actually leaves. this one, british prime minister, tresa may answer questions.ion. >> statements, the prime minister. >> thank you mr. speaker. today the government acts on the democratic will of the britishsh people. it is act ii on the clear and convincing position of this house. a few minutes ago in brussels, the united kingdom's permanent representative from the e.u. handed the letter to the president of the european council on my behalf confirmingi the government's decision to invoke article 50 on the treaty of the european union. the article 50 process is now underway. in accordance with the wishes of the british people, the united kingdom is leaving the european union. this is an historic moment for which they can be no turning back. britain is leaving the europeank union.

for leaving the european union presents us with a unique opportunity.is this generation's chance to shape a brighter future for our country. a chance to step back and ask ourselves what kind of country we want to be. my answer is clear. i want the united kingdom to emerge from this period of change stronger, fairer, more united and more outward looking than ever before. i want us to be a secure, prosperous, tolerant country. a magnet for international talent and a home to the pioneers and innovators who will shape the world ahead. i want us to be a truly global britain. the best friend and neighbor to our european partners but a country that reaches beyond the borders of europe, too. >> can i just apologize for having to sbrinterrupt the -- that's your long-term goal. may be very long-term and should be your goal. and what i say to the house is this. you can study the record. i will want all colleagues to have the chance to question the prime minister. but this is a very important statement. and i think it is reasonable to expect that the prime minister

the united kingdom has formally begun the process of leaving the european union. tly after noon, a six—page letter from the prime minister was handed to the president of the european council, donald tusk. the invoking of article 50 of the lisbon treaty marks the start of two years of negotiations on the terms of britain's departure. here's a flavour of what's been said on this historic day. the article 50 process is now under way and in accordance with the wishes of the british people, the united kingdom is leaving the european union. this is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back. britain is leaving the european union. we are going to make out european union. we are going to make our own european union. we are going to make our own decisions and our own laws. we are going to take control of the things that matter most to us and we are going to take this opportunity to build a stronger, fairer britain, a country that our children and grandchildren are proud to call home. we will not give this government a free hand to use brexit to attack rights

they pointed out a number of guarantees that the european union wants. citizen rights would be secured. i've mentioned that. and no return to a hard border regarding northern ireland. and there is a brexit bill to be settled. christopher: what is britain's priority? what does britain want to achieve particularly in these negotiations? >> it wants, of course, exactly the opposite. what has now become good brexit tradition, have the cake and eat it. britain once a trade deal that is as good as the conditions it has now. that is the impression theresa may gave in her speech today. even though she did sound a warning. there might be consequences of exit -- brexit. she told people to expect that and deal with it. but what britain wants to push for his trade to continue unfettered. the way it is now. it will be the main bone of contention. that is where the talks will run up against the wall once they have reached that point. it will take quite a while because as we heard from german chancellor angela merkel today, first the divorce negotiations have to talk a

player in the european union. reform minded, ithink european union. we were quite reform minded, i think a lot of countries like germany and sweden and poland liked the fact that britain was in the european union, a little bit sceptical of the european union, not the same sort of gung ho, pro—federalist approach of france for example. i think that balance was quite important to the european union. i think the fact is that the eu feels that it has been negatively affected by britain saying it wants to leave. but what it has done on the contrary side to that is it has sort of giving the eu that notion of, we need to pull together now. and we will deal with britain as the eu 27, the other 27 nations. and it has given them that sort of burning platform idea, this is a real existential threat to europe therefore we must pull together. most of the polling has suggested that since britain now stitt was leaving the european union, actually pro—european sentiment has slightly gone up pro—european sentiment has slightly gon

yes, but that's not the reason not to tell the people that the very origin of the european union, europeanean construction, was the result of world war ii. we have to remind those we are living with that, this was the real reason for the european union. but as i said, this is not a sufficient explanation or narrative, as we are saying today, because it is mainly about the future. my generation is an inter—generation. we are children of those who experienced the second world war. and we have children and grandchildren. yes, we have grandchildren too, who don't know anything about that. but we have to organise in the best way possible in the future for them. you obviously, as president of the european commission, are a great believer in the european union. but when theresa may is not there on saturday, what will be in your mind as the way to stop others following suit? other member states walking out the door? will you try and use the negotiations around brexit to put others off? even if the british pm is not there, i will have the british people in my hearts. because britain belongs to euro

e rights of workers but we will ild on them which a bold and ambitioufr tdegreement with the european union th allows the freest possible trade in goods and services between britn d member states, gives brith companies th maximum freedom tora wh and operate within european markets and let's europea businesses do the same in britain because eupe lde veaimany times we cannot cherry pick d rema mbers of the single market without accepting this that are indivisible. ceinthat is indefatible, we will no longer be memrs of a single market, we are going to make sure we can striktrade agreemen with countries outside the european union. important as our trade witthe eu is and will remain it is clear the uk needs irease significantly its trade wh e fastest growing export markets inheorld. we hope tcollaborate with our european partnerinhe are of science, educationresearch and technolo so the uks e of the best for science and invation. we see continued cooperation with european partners in imrtant areas like crime, terrorism and foren fas and to deliver a smooth orderly brexit rchg agreement about fute

there is a lot of goodwill towards redesigning the european union. how do you see this? solid and comprehensive view about this battle — the battle over the two unions. what ever happens to the first, brexit case that is, the united kingdom. there are noises now, centairfly.scotlandrhasskartad~= the relationship between northern ireland and ireland, which is part of the european union. today, gordon brown, former prime minister, came up with this new or third option, he is calling it. give scotland, the devolved authority, more power, even to the extent that they can sign international treaties, and also power to do their own agriculture policies. a lot of other things but at the same time remain in the united kingdom. kevin, i wanted to bring you in about some of the criticisms that iain made. you could say if there is another referendum in two or three years, simply fatigue for having the same party in power for scotland may not as we know, you cover criticism about how the nhs is working and the education system, which any government gets, but it is not a great platform

britain is leading the european union. 50 here britain is leading the european union.o here it is. the president of the eu says his priority is to defend the remaining member states. brexit has made as a community of 27 more determined and more united than before. we'll hear from brussels, spain and across the uk. and i'm michelle fleury in washington — our other headlines. what are the opportunities and dangers for markets across the world of two years of talks, then brexit? have seen under the common fisheries policy is the hardships and a client of the communities that i live work and dear europe, people from across britain say farewell to the eu. it has taken nine months but today britain took the decisive step towards leaving the european union, and a relationship that has bound this country to the continent for over a0 years. the british prime minister's letter — just six pages long — was transferred to the president of the european council by the uk's ambassador to the eu. that very simple process triggers article 50 — beginning two years of devilishly difficult

membership of the european union has also transformed the irish republic. s national identity, and has been key to normalising its once acrimonious relationship with the uk. britain and ireland joined the european community on the same day in 1973. it is shared membership of that single european market that has made that border between them unimportant to the point of invisibility. in dublin, there is widespread dismay at the prospect of new border controls. the question is how hard the border is. even the softest borders, with switzerland, with norway, that are around the european union, have a requirement for customs clearances for document checking, etc. so that'll have to be the minimum there. that will be disruptive. even if you have that going to take place in some magical way that british customs will be embedded in irish ports, which i can not see, politically, then that has a consequence. there have to be additional costs imposed on exporters in the north going to the south and vice versa. whether or not there's free movement of people is a differen

be a net contributor because we are one of the richer members, and is already a member of the european union the european parliament's chief negotiator, there is an openness and willingness for scotland to continue its membership of the eu. just to be absolutely clear, do you have private assurances from the european union that they would accept scotla nd union that they would accept scotland as a new country? this is still an internal member state issue for the united kingdom but what has been interesting is not so much the private reassurances but the public reassurances. jean—claude juncker said scotland needs to be listened to. we have heard the same words coming out of burling, dublin and elsewhere. that has been a shift since the last independence referendum. we would have this referendum. we would have this referendum in totally different circumstances than the previous one. it seems like you're just playing with a very weak hand. since 2014, when you did not manage to get the referendum you wanted, the price of oil has collapsed, and the still is not total unanimity amongst eu member

this was the moment the uk really began its departure from the european union. h ambassador to the eu, sir tim barrow, handed the president of the european council, donald tusk, the letter signed by the prime minister. it was the formal notification triggering the start of brexit negotiations. minutes later, the prime minister confirmed the significance of the moment. the article 50 process is now underway and in accordance with the wishes of the british people, the united kingdom is leaving the european union. this is an historic moment, from which there can be no turning back. britain is leaving the european union. we are going to make our own decisions and our own laws. we are going to take control of the things that matter most to us. she spoke of her fierce determination to get a deal that works for everyone, but acknowledged the consequences of brexit. we know that we will lose influence over the rules that affect the european economy. we know that uk companies that trade with the eu will have to align with rules agreed by institutions of which we are no lo

is bbc news at westminster, on the day the united kingdom started the process of leaving the european union. britain's ambassador in brussels handed over a letter triggering article 50 to the president of the european council earlier today. the letter had been signed last night by theresa may in the cabinet room at number 10 downing street. i'm pleased that brexit‘s happening cos i think it'll be good for our country to get back to have our own rules and regulations. we'll have control of our borders again. the government's embarking on a journey and it has no idea where it's going, it doesn't know what it's doing and anyhow it's not in control of negotiations from now on. the prime minister said her government was following the democratic will of the british people, and promised to build a stronger united kingdom. britain is leaving the european union. we are going to make our own decisions and our own laws. we are going to take control of the things that matter most to us. so here it is. donald tusk said he missed the uk already, and promised to defend the remaining 27 member states in th

at 5 — we're at westminster on the day the united kingdom started the process of leaving the european unionbritain's ambassador in brussels handed over the letter to the president of the european council at lunchtime today. the letter had been signed by theresa may last night in the cabinet room at number ten downing street. and the prime minister went to parliament today to inform mps that nine months after the referendum — the formal process was underway. britain is leaving the european union. we are going to make our own decisions and our own laws. we are going to take control of the things that matter most to us. in brussels — the eu negotiating team said it was ready for talks to begin — but they sounded a note of sadness and regret. there is no reason to pretend this isa there is no reason to pretend this is a happy day, neither in brussels or in london. it's a day that marks the biggest change in britain's relationship with its european neighbours in nearly half a century. i'm pleased that brexit‘s happening cos i think it'll be good for our country to get back to have our own rules

the united kingdom has formally served notice that it's leaving the european union. d by theresa may was handed to the president of the european council today. the prime minister told mps she wanted a smooth and orderly brexit, but she also hinted of implications for security cooperation if a deal was not reached. and in a potential setback for mrs may... the german chancellor angela merkel has warned that the terms of britain's divorce have to be settled, before any talks on trade can begin. our political editor laura kuenssberg reports on the day that article 50 was triggered. some moments make us. this is one. the minute in westminster, belfast, edinburgh and cardiff that the united kingdom formally changed course. the article 50 process is now underway and in accordance with the wishes of the british people, the united kingdom is leaving the european union. this is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back. probably our last ambassador inside the european union handing over the letter at 12:25pm. the document that says we are on our way out. there

britain is leading the european union. we are going to make our own decisions and oui’ going to make our own decisions and our own laws. we are going to take control of the things that matter most to us. donald tusk said he missed the uk already and promised to defend the remaining 27 member states in the negotiations and had. —— ahead. there is no reason to pretend this is a happy day, neither in brussels, not london. a week on from the terror attack on parliament and a memorial was held in westminster bridge. stay with us on bbc news for a look at how the front pages are reporting the coverage of article 50. clever good evening and welcome to bbc news. the united kingdom has formally served notice that it is leading the european union. a letter, signed by theresa may, was handed to be president of the and council. the primus told mps she wa nted council. the primus told mps she wanted a smooth and orderly brexit. ina wanted a smooth and orderly brexit. in a potential setback theresa may, angela merkel has warned that the

after britain leads the european union, it was be legal of citizens of 46 other european countries too the republic of ireland and get a job and claim benefits and use the services. but a few yards in that direction, there would be no automatic right to do any of that. that changes what northern ireland's biggest party, the democratic unionist party campaigned for. why did they dup back brexit? there's number of reasons. the european union is very good at creating regulations, it created hundreds on agriculture alone. ultimately, we believe that power is better invested at the local level, so we want more power to the local authorities, to regional assemblies, and ultimately to westminster. not to be vested into europe whether it's little accountability. do you except that britain's decision to leave the eu poses huge problems for the border between northern ireland and ireland ? oh, yes huge problems. do we have a hard or soft border? both britain and ireland have indicated they would prefer to have a free—flowing border. the truth is we had something like 16,000 troops here and many

2015 and they have in a challenge for moderate parties since 2014 at since they gained a lot in european unionlections. today sayinggreens so far as, there is no longer a threat of populism. mainstream pro-european parties will prevail. onlookers have said this is no time for complacency and that instead of bashing populism or creating an us versus them, what eu institutions need to do is look at themselves in the mirror and start to self criticize and realize why people are so disappointed and why there is so much economic inequality and injustice and find reasons for why the project is not functioning as much as they would like. genie: thank you for that report from brussels. bill passed byt parliament three days ago. it has now become law. it just received royal approval from the queen. let's bring in ba©nacdicte paviot in london. it is still necessary to turn this bill into law. what can you tell us? >> the queen is the head of state of the united kingdom. her approval is absolutely crucial. it is done in norman french. means is concretely called theill european union notification withdraw

wales voted to leave the european union. this morning when carwynjones said he would be working with the uk government to get the best deal for wales. by this afternoon, the cracks had begun to appear and you sensed his frustration when he said he it was regrettable the welsh government had not been able to contribute to the article 50 letter and the devolved administrations had been treated with a lack of respect. he'd already voiced his concerns about economic subsidies. he wasn't sure what would be happening after 2020, he said. there were no guarantees. add the moment, some of the poorest parts of wales share £2 billion of grantaid. the parts of wales share £2 billion of grant aid. the leaders of the welsh conservatives said that is scaremongering and theresa may has said the specific interests of the nations will be taken into account. sian, chris and sarah, thank you. the clock started ticking from the moment the letter was delivered to brussels this morning and the parties will have two years to conclude negotiations

to the united kingdom leaving the european union, eu law will continue to apply to and within the u.k to say you have just released an official by the european council in which the leader stress you will act as one and stop negotiations by focusing on arrangements for an orderly withdrawal. on friday, i will share a proposal of the negotiating guidelines with the member states to be adopted by the european council on april. i will refer to this and i will command other proposals on friday during our press conference with prime minister -- what can i add to this? thank you and goodbye. presidentthe european donald tusk. very own's very on -- article 50 is that people were not aware of until a year ago and many people never thought would be used in the official process begins. talk to me what we heard from the european union president. >> we heard pretty conciliatory tone from donald tusk. the eu does not really have a much reason it seems to give a butall weight to the u.k. they do want to remain closed for the sake of the business interest and the people's' interest. u.k.ny people liv

i'm jane hill in westminster, where, after more than four decades as a member of the european union, the united kingdom is officially setting off on its own path. this was the moment when the letter triggering article 50 was handed over in brussels to the president of the european council. in the letter, the prime minister said the uk was "leaving the european union, but not leaving europe." we are going to take control of the things that matter most to us and we are going to take this opportunity to build a stronger, fairer britain, a country that our children and grandchildren are proud to call home. i'm ben brown at the european commission in brussels where the clock is now running on two years of negotiations — on the terms of the uk's exit from the eu. receiving the six page letter, the president of the european council, donald tusk, said there was no reason to pretend that this was a happy day either in brussels or london. here it is. six pages. the notification from prime minister, theresa may, triggering article 50. we'll bring you all the latest news and reaction throughout t

the law that took us into the european union was passed in 1972.eu membership is about to end. not with a bang, but with a rather complicated process. the government now has 2a months to unravel a relationship which has lasted for 44 years. the secretary of state for exiting the european union, david davis. brexit secretary set out the first steps today with the promise of a great repeal bill. we have been clear that we want a smooth and orderly exit and the great repeal bill is integral tool —— integral to that approach. it will provide clarity for businesses and workers across the united kingdom on the day we leave the eu. it will mean that as we exit the eu and seek a new and special partnership with the european union, we will be doing so with the same standards and rules. if you were to look at the dictionary definition of repeal you would find that it needs to reverse or cancel something but the government's great repeal bill actually keeps —— actually seeks to keepin actually keeps —— actually seeks to keep in place existing eu legislation.

after 44 years together, britain officially started the process of severing its ties with the european union. in a letter notifying the eu of brexit, the british prime minisiter praised european values and insisted that britain can hold on to its trade benefits with the eu even after it has left. the ousted south korean president, park geun—hye, is due in court for a hearing that will decide whether to approve an arrest warrant against her over corruption allegations. her supporters gathered outside the district court in the capital ahead of that hearing. —— court. now it's time for a look back at the day in parliament. hello and welcome to wednesday in parliament, the main news from westminster: the united kingdom has triggered article 50 of the lisbon treaty — starting the process for leaving the european union. the prime minister issues a call for unity. we can together make a success of this moment and we can together build a stronger, fairer, better britain. a britain our children and grandchildren are proud to call home. i commend this statement to the house. but as brexit talks begin,

britain it is official, has triggered the count done on the withdrawn from the european union. launch theresa may addressed parliament, the u.k. ambassador to the e.u. delivered a letter to the council president in brussels. the economic and political costs of brexit could be high for both sides. not least, further separation. scotland, for example, is now talking about leaving the united kingdom. there is also some rumbling amongst other euro skeptic member countries to will brussels seek a tough pardon to deter copycats yet good that is one of the questions you want to talk about here on quadriga. our town today, "brexit - a painful divorce?" that is the question we want to talk about with our guests. it is a pleasure to welcome petra pinzler, a journalist for die zeit. for great britain, the times after will be worst when the people realize their country is bound to the e.u. with less influence. catherine hickley is a british author based in berlin and a former correspondent for bloomberg. she says the decision to leave the e.u. will likely lead to the breakup of the united

britain is leading the european union. we are going to make oui’ european union.e are going to make our own decisions and our own laws. we will take control of the things that matter most to us. —— the express. the letter requesting departure from the european union was handed over at lunchtime. donald tusk said he missed the uk already and promised to look after the 27 memo states that remain. there is no reason to pretend this is a happy day in brussels, nor in london. —— member state. one week on from the terror attack in westminster, a vigil has been held for the victims. hello and welcome to our look ahead to what the papers will be pretty tomorrow. we arejoined by henry manse, political correspondence with the financial times. he has taken to this on his first occasion like a duck to water. and alongside him, caroline wheeler, the political and outer of the sunday express. the telegraph reports jubilation as article 50 is triggered, but reports immediate tension between britain and brussels. the metro focuses on the primus to's warning that a failure to reac

why do so many people here want to leave the british and european union?qajury it is aqa jury is one, isn't it? it is aqajury is one, isn't it? —— a furious one. the snp supporters in this area are really staunch ones. they are passionate. the bottom line is that they really want independence. they are fiercely independent. a lot of them want independence, they just don't want a lot of them want independence, theyjust don't want it in europe. a few miles to the east, the river spey empties into the sea. this is the scotland of the tourist brochure of the independent imagination. the river feeds two of the country's biggest industries, whisky and tourism. the mainstream currents of scottish public opinion contain many unexpected eddies. moray for example is happy to send mps from the snp to westminster and holyrood, but in 2014 voted no to independence. a substantial minority of the 45% who voted yes to independence went on to vote to leave the european union. a second independence referendum offering independence in europe would present that group, those w

the european union's highest court has ruled that companies can have a policy prohibiting employees froms symbols. courts in france and belgium had asked the european court ofjustice to rule on discrimination cases brought by women who'd been banned from wearing islamic headscarves at work. the irish coastguard says hopes are fading for three of their helicopter crew members after their aircraft went missing about six miles to the west of county mayo. the aircraft lost contact in the early hours of this morning while involved in an operation to rescue a man from a fishing boat. another person who was on board has been found — he's in a critical condition. it's one of the world's oldest golf clubs, established in the 18th century. today muirfield finally decided to allow women to become members. the vote, the second in less than a year, came after the east lothian course was removed from the list of open golf venues last may when not enough members voted to allow women in. natalie pirks reports. steeped in tradition muirfield may be. but its views on women were perceived as less than hono

on the united kingdom exiting the european union. would be chucked out. prime minister. the snp consistently talks about independence as the only subject they wish to talk about. i said to him and his colleagues that now is not the time to be talking about a second independence referendum. on today of all days, we should be coming together as a united kingdom to get the best deal for britain. improving vocational and technical education is vital to closing our productivity gap so can the prime minister assure me vocational education will enjoy equal status with academic education so that as we leave the eu, our young people can be equipped to build the high skilled economy of the future? my honourable friend has raised an important issue. it is essential for young people we give vocational and technical education the right esteem and focus because it is essential in addressing the productivity gap. we wa nt to addressing the productivity gap. we want to deliver a world leading technical education system to create genuine options that

there are businesses in the european union that to rely heavily on the european market?ater loss will be on britain because it is a smaller market. the domestic market in question, great britain is smaller than the european union. it already has agreements in place with china and other big trading nations. britain will have to renegotiate that. because once it comes out of the eu, then what do you do you? do you go to china and say, we want the same with the european union and now call it the united kingdom instead of the eu, he may or may not do it. but if they say, let's renegotiate, then british companies would lose their markets. so britain is the bigger loserfrom that. but the european union is also a loser. it's not a threat. the other threat that britain could become a tax haven. it would be absurd to think they european union will agree to free—trade, with a nation that is a tax haven with the purpose of drawing tax away from it. so the big companies coming to britain than you can export to the european union. it's a nonstarter. let yet another layer of complexit

britain is leaving the european union. we are going to make oui’ european union.g to make our own decisions and our own laws. we are going to control the things that matter most to us. she acknowledged that the consequences of brexit. we know we will lose influence over rules that affect the european economy, and will have two agreed to rose from institutions of which we are no longer a part. just as we will have two with international markets and we accept that. we do this in a spirit of cooperation. is no deal still better than a bad deal? ministers have been working on a strategy for nine months, now the talking beginss. simon—mac it's about give and take on both sides. we will have to do some give and take to get the best deal for britain. already, it is clear how ha rd deal for britain. already, it is clear how hard it is going to be for the prime minister to fulfil her mission of bringing the country together. there are stark divisions in parliament, her party and across the country. people have different views on what they want and expect from a brexit deal

we have to give the european union a social face, problems.ed an enormous welfare state. greece is a prominent beneficiary. that is terrible for that country. the freedom of europe —— movement within europe means that the optimistic young will leave those countries and come to the successful northern countries. the united states has one: “— countries. the united states has one: —— currency and lots of different economies. people go from the poorer areas to new york city to make their fortunes. you the poorer areas to new york city to make theirfortunes. you could the poorer areas to new york city to make their fortunes. you could say it is just that germany wasn't generous enough to greece. state governments in the united states have more power than governments within europe. the united states fought civil war over differences of opinion as well. as well as slavery, of course. there are different economies bound together by the same currency. the conflict between states to govern our economy and federal states, causes tremendous damage sometim

the treaties of the european union will i'io treaties of the european union will no longer apply andhe world trade organisation trading to and that will be lots of practical implications from that. —— trading regulations and there will be lots. then of course you have the position of european union citizens in the uk and uk citizens in the european union, and other things like whether health insurance will continue to apply when you travel, what kind of visa requirements might there be. you can see this is a complex area but it needs to be prepared for. david davis, the brexit secretary, says there are contingency plans being put in place as we speak, but the reason the government is not talking about it is because their focus is government is not talking about it is because theirfocus is not government is not talking about it is because their focus is not on the contingency plan but on getting a good deal with the european union. but certainly if things didn't go the way the government planned they are thinking about alternatives. david davis's focus ahead of tomorrow when the bill

the biggest disagreement is over the european union. e donald trump administration, particularly trump's principal advisor steve bannon has been pushing the line that the united states should negotiate bilateral economic deals with european countries. and in essence, donald trump has been dissing angela merkel in reaching out to people like nigel farage and supporting other far right movements or leaders in europe. donald trump made his disdain for the european union palpable. and the message today was it is not going away and he will not be able to pick off european countries one after the other. germany will not cut a separate deal, you need to deal with europe, not just germany. anchor: ok. christopher: thank you for that. and also to simon in the studio. plenty of reaction of course, the first meeting between angela merkel and donald trump on social media. washington-based journalist alice paul stein -- alstein writing this freudian slip from donald trump. and another journalist, jim roberts writing that angela merkel must love liste

tusk today to the european union. referenced rising protectionist instirveghts around the world, security worries across europe, she talked about weakening our cooperation would be a costly mistake. that seems to contradict the very idea of leaving. why leave the union if these are concerns? >> well, the the british people wanted to leave the european union for a number of reasons people will be analyzing for some time to come, but i think regaining control of our borders and restoring the full sovereignty of the british parliament were big parts in that decision. the point about the proposition in the prime minister's letter is committed free trade and people who believe in open markets, we think we can have a comprehensive free trade arrangement with the european union that will be a great benefit to both sides. it doesn't have to be lose-lose. it within win-win. >> woodruff: the prime minister, also, a couple of points in the letter she referred to what she called a deep and special partnership that print desires w

britain is leaving the european union. we are going to make oui’ european union.ly sad. there is no reason to pretend this is a happy day. thank you and goodbye. no reason to pretend this is a happy day. thank you and goodbyelj no reason to pretend this is a happy day. thank you and goodbye. i choose to believe in britain and that our best days lie ahead. mixed weather fortunes for today's weather picture. some will have the best weather so far. western areas will have rain today. rain coming from the south and west. across eastern areas of england, the air has been coming up from the near continent, and that will bring temperatures into the low 20s in the warmest spots. as i said, the warmest day of the year so far. a mild start to the day with temperatures staying in double figures, 11 to 12 degrees as we start off. always the risk of pulses of rain affecting northern ireland. scotland is looking wet. cumbria as well. further pulses of rain across these western areas through the day on and off through the rest of the day. for the east, over a cloudy start and af

for the european union a first step will be the adoption of guidelines for the negotiations by the europeant the overall positions and principles in light of which the union represented by the european commission, jean—claude juncker is the header that, will negotiate with the uk. in these negotiations the union will act as one and preserve its interests. our first priority will be to minimise the uncertainty caused by the decision of the uk for our citizens, businesses and member states. we will start by focusing on all key arrangements for an orderly withdrawal. that is pretty well it. let's get some reaction to that and the days events because we are jointly the former green party leader natalie bennett and peter whittle of ukip who's on college green. what is your reaction to this, peter, on this momentous day, and on the day that theresa may has triggered article 50? this is something we have been waiting for a long time. it is a historic day, we are very pleased. it has been a long time coming. david cameron when he was still in power said that he would trigger it the day after the re

departure from the european union.he now is two years to negotiate terms of the separation which takes effect in 2019. president trump 19. president term ending the war of coal. signed an executive order to unwind of environmental plan for targeted coal-fired power plants. the order makes good on trump's campaign pledge to donate nearly a dozen measures in an effort to boost the mystic energy production. health care reform may get a second life. house speaker paul graham says some of the no both on the odometer replacement ready to vote yes. it's unclear when this change since the bill is on friday. president friday. president tracks as he has a deal that can be reached quickly. let's check a u.s. stock market futures this morning. just slightly higher this morning and watching friendship that closely. lauren: homeland security secretary john kelley to meet the century city mayors today after the justice department said it will pull funding from cities that refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement laws. aa

and the objective that i set out in negotiations for the european union related to science and research, and innovation and welcome agreement to continue to collaborate with european partners which i'm interested in what my honorable friend has said and the report we looked at very carefully by my right honorable friend of the european union. >> we join the prime minister, leader of the labour party and extending our condolences to family and friends of sir gerald kaufman and best wishes to the people of wales on saint david's day. prior to that, scottish questions the ministers were unable to answer basic questions by government plans for agriculture. these are important industries for the rural economy and periods in the scottish government and scottish parliament. with brexit ending the role of brussels in these areas will all decisions about agriculture be made, yes or no? >> but the right honorable gentlemen knows we are discussing the whole question of the uk framework and evolution of issues as they come from brussels was the overriding aim for everything we do, the sing