Britain delivers letter launching Brexit process

Brussels, Belgium | AFP | Britain formally launched the process to leave the EU on Wednesday, handing a letter to EU president Donald Tusk formally notifying the bloc, an AFP journalist said.

Tim Barrow, Britain’s ambassador to the European Union, personally delivered the letter signed by British Prime Minister Theresa May at Tusk’s office in Brussels, the journalist said.

“After nine months the UK has delivered. #Brexit,” Tusk tweeted after he received the letter, referring to Britain’s shock June 23, 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU.

May signed the letter in Downing Street on Tuesday, a photo released by her office showed.

Just days after the EU’s 60th birthday, Britain will become the first country ever to seek a divorce, striking a blow at the heart of the union forged from the ashes of World War II.

This will be a defining moment for our country, as we begin to forge a new relationship with Europe & a new role for ourselves in the world. pic.twitter.com/zM69aZlhpa

— Theresa May (@theresa_may) March 14, 2017