Brexit a defining moment for Britain: May

British Prime Minister Theresa May gave her first reaction to the passing of the Brexit bill, saying it marked a defining moment for the country.

"This will be a defining moment for our whole country as we begin to forge a new relationship with Europe and a new role for ourselves in the world," Efe news quoted May as saying while addressing MPs in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

May said Brexit would work for the whole of Britain. "We will be a strong, self-governing global Britain with control once again over our borders and our laws."

The decisions of both Houses of Parliament to agree to the crucial bill opens the door for May to officially start the process of Britain leaving the European Union.

May gave no precise indication of when she will trigger Article 50, the mechanism to start the exit process, instead she said it would be by the end if this month, adding Royal Assent from Queen Elizabeth would be given in the next few days.

May said Brexit remains on track with the timetable she set out 6 months ago, telling MPs she will return to the Commons before the end of the month to notify when she has formally triggered Article 50 and begun the process through which Britain will leave the EU.

--IANS

vgu/