BREXIT

The triggering of Article 50 has been hailed as a momentous day for Britain – a day in which many have grown increasingly disillusioned with the EU and one which they feared they would never live to see.

Even after the historic result last June, it seemed possible that the europhile political and judicial Establishment might find ways to overturn the will of the people.

That they have not succeeded reflects huge credit on Theresa May.

‘Brexit means Brexit,’ she said – and now she has been as good as her word, as she has invoked Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. This has given Brussels formal notice that Britain will withdraw from the EU by 29 March 2019.

Now the hard work begins. No one should underestimate the challenge facing our negotiators, as they set about disentangling the UK from 40 years of regulation.

Up against them will be an unaccountable eurocracy, anxious to defend its perks and privileges, pressing for a punitive deal to dissuade other members tempted to follow Britain’s path to freedom.

The UK enters the talks in a better position than most dared hope. Confounding Project Fear, the economy is in robust shape and countries around the world are queuing up to do trade deals with Britain.

BREXIT cartoon: