British Prime Minister signs historic letter officially launching Brexit.

On the evening of March 28, British Prime Minister Theresa May signed a historic letter officially launching the process of Britain leaving the European Union (EU), also known as Brexit. The letter will be delivered to EU headquarters in Brussels on March 29.

British Prime Minister Theresa May. Photo: Sputnik

The UK Prime Minister's office released a photograph showing Prime Minister May signing the aforementioned letter, with the British flag and a portrait of Britain's first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole, in the background.

The letter is expected to be delivered by the British Ambassador to the EU, Tim Barrow, to EU President Donald Tusk on March 29th. The letter will officially inform Mr. Tusk of the UK's intention to leave the EU by triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, beginning a two-year negotiation process to end the UK's 44-year membership in the bloc.

Also that evening, the British Prime Minister held separate telephone conversations with EU President Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The UK Prime Minister's office said that in the phone calls, the leaders agreed that "a strong Europe is in the interest of all parties and that Britain will remain a trusted and close ally."

The leaders also agreed on the importance of entering negotiations in a constructive and positive spirit, as well as ensuring a smooth and orderly withdrawal process.

On March 29, Prime Minister May is expected to deliver a speech to Parliament, pledging to represent the interests of all those living in the UK, including EU citizens, during negotiations with Brussels.

On June 23, 2016, 52% of British people voted in favor of Britain leaving the EU in a referendum.

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