Brexit negotiations to start by early 2017 says Boris Johnson

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has told his Italian counterpart that the UK will begin formal Brexit talks early next year, Bloomberg reported.

Pro-leave campaigner Johnson met with Paolo Gentiloni in Florence on Thursday. He said the UK “must supply clarity, certainty” on its plans.

Gentiloni said: “We need certainty on timings for Brexit.”

Warnings have been issued not to delay the move out of the EU as it could undermine economic confidence in the EU just as Germany and France prepare for its elections.

“It’s important that the Article 50, which will start the negotiations, is raised by the British government as soon as possible,” European Commissioner Pierre Moscovici told Bloomberg Television on Wednesday.

He suggested that the end of the year or very beginning of 2017 would be the optimal moment to start the negotiations.

May has not provided a timeframe for the first two years of separation talks but has said they will not commence this year due to their need to plan.