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UK parliament dissolves ahead of elections

Natalie Muller
May 3, 2017

The British Parliament has officially dissolved - 25 working days before upcoming general elections on June 8. Negotiations for the UK to leave the European Union are scheduled to begin after the poll.

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London Houses of Parliament Westminster,
Image: picture-alliance/NurPhoto/J. Nicholson

British Prime Minister Theresa May is to visit Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday to gain formal approval for Parliament's dissolution.

Although lawmakers left Westminster last week, their seats were officially left vacant at one minute past midnight on May 3.

Formal negotiations for Britain to leave the European Union are expected to start after a new parliament is elected in the June vote. Prime Minister May called the elections last month in a bid to strengthen her political position in the lead-up to Brexit talks.

Inside Europe - UK snap election

Later on Wednesday, the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, is due to unveil recommendations for the upcoming negotiations with Britain. Barnier has previously indicated that he needs to wrap up talks by October 2018 to get any Brexit deal approved by the EU Parliament in time for Britain's scheduled departure from the bloc on March 29, 2019.

British voters backed Brexit in a closely fought referendum in June last year.

EU leaders adopt Brexit plan

 

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EU leaders adopt Brexit guidelines at Brussels summit

EU leaders adopt Brexit guidelines at Brussels summit

Leaders from 27 European Union states have unanimously agreed on guidelines for negotiations on the UK's divorce from the bloc. The leaders have also urged unity going into two years of talks with Britain. (29.04.2017)
PoliticsApril 29, 2017