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Theresa May will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on Wednesday, March 29th, Downing Street has confirmed.

The Prime Minister's spokesperson said Mrs May has told European Council President Donald Tusk he will be getting a letter next Wednesday.

The letter will officially begin the Brexit process, which Mrs May pledged would commence before the end of March.

She will then make a statement to the House of Commons following Prime Minister's Questions.

It will kick off what is expected to be two years of negotiations on Britain's relationship with Europe after we leave.

The Prime Minister will visit Swansea today, beginning what is expected to be a tour of the country before Article 50 is triggered.

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The PM's official spokesman said Britain wants negotiations to start “promptly” once the Brexit process is underway.

He said: “Earlier this morning, the UK's permanent representative to the EU informed the office of Donald Tusk that it is the UK's intention to trigger Article 50 on March 29.

“He said it in person to the secretariat at around half past ten.”

Regarding the process on March 29, he said: “There will be a letter. She will notify President Tusk in writing - that process is set out in Article 50 itself.

“The PM has already confirmed she will give a statement to Parliament as well.”

He went on: "After we trigger, the 27 will agree their guidelines for negotiations and the Commission's negotiating mandate. President Tusk has said he expects there to be an initial response within 48 hours.

“We want negotiations to start promptly, but it's obviously right that the 27 have an opportunity to agree their position.”

(Image: AFP)

Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis said: "Last June, the people of the UK made the historic decision to leave the EU. Next Wednesday, the Government will deliver on that decision and formally start the process by triggering Article 50.

"We are on the threshold of the most important negotiation for this country for a generation.

"The Government is clear in its aims: a deal that works for every nation and region of the UK and indeed for all of Europe – a new, positive partnership between the UK and our friends and allies in the European Union."