EU chief reveals Brexit will begin in early 2017 after private talks with Theresa May Theresa May plans to fire the starting gun on negotiations to leave the EU as early as January next year, the European Council president Donald Tusk revealed last night. At a press conference, Mr Tusk let slip that the PM had told him it was “quite likely” the UK would trigger Article 50 in January or February 2017. – The Sun Brexit talks: No compromise with UK on free movement, Juncker warns –Sky News EU community ‘must protect its interests’ says Tusk – BBC News Donald Tusk tells EU leaders Brexit was down to ‘failures’ of British politicians – Independent Britain to block EU army Britain will veto measures to build an EU army for as long as it remains a member of the union, the defence secretary has warned. – The Times Diane James becomes UKIP leader Diane James has been elected as the UK Independence Party’s new leader and has told Prime Minster Theresa May to “get on with” getting the UK out of the EU. – BBC News Bye bye Nigel Farage, the man who changed the course of European history – Reaction Six things Diane James needs to do as Ukip’s new leader to be a success –Daily Telegraph’s Asa Bennett If other mainstream parties falter in the wake of Brexit and do not listen to the public, Ukip may be more dangerous than ever before – New Statesman George Osborne admits he ‘did not get it right’ on Brexit The Tory MP added that the Government failed to address problems of economic insecurity and loss of identity in many parts of the UK, which he confessed contributed to the Brexit vote…Social media users expressed shock that Mr Osborne had been in the job for six years and did not understand the economic problems that led to alienation of communities in Britain. –Independent Scottish Secretary David Mundell said SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon’s warnings of a “lost decade” after Brexit are becoming “increasingly alarmist” In a speech in Glasgow today, Mr Mundell said Brexit will herald “a phase full of opportunity for Scotland within the UK”. In advance extracts, he called for “a positive and responsible approach from those in positions of responsibility”. –BT The Times: Europe in Crisis Some EU leaders may want to divert attention from their structural crisis by threatening a punitive approach in future Brexit negotiations. Mrs Merkel should disabuse her colleagues of this misguided idea. If the EU wants to restore respect in its institutions it would be reckless to turn itself into a kind of Alcatraz, from which there is no escape. – The Times (£) Editorial Brexit poll: pessimism over leaving EU ‘melting away’ Today’s research shows that the proportion of people who believe the economy will get worse in the next 12 months has plunged from a clear majority of 57 per cent in July to just 37 per cent. – Evening Standard Bring back Britannia to rule the waves after Brexit The Royal Yacht Britannia should be recommissioned and used to secure trade deals after the Brexit vote, dozens of MPs, former ministers and a senior former aide to the Queen say. – Daily Telegraph Fashion designer Anya Hindmarch now ‘excited’ by Brexit The fashion industry contributes £28 billion to the UK economy. @anyahindmarch voted Remain – but now feels excited. pic.twitter.com/ZQW7z6r5nT — BrexitCentral (@BrexitCentral) September 16, 2016 Despite backing the Remain campaign Ms Hindmarch speaking yesterday at a British Fashion Council event to mark the start of London Fashion Week, said: “The mathematics will not be a big net problem. We’re 10 per cent cheaper, so there is quite an upside for the tourists coming to London. There is a buzz around the stores, a buzz around London. I’m not being complacent, but I don’t think [Brexit] is going to be the end of the world. At the BFC, we are cautiously pretty excited.” – The Times (£) WATCH: The fashion industry contributes £28 billion to the UK economy. Anya Hindmarch voted Remain – but now feels excited. London Fashion Week organiser makes single market plea – The Guardian National Theatre puts spotlight on Brexit Britain – BBC News Mark Carney admits to ‘Carnage’ nickname as he finally confesses Brexit gives the UK “very large” trading opportunities Governor of the @bankofengland Mark Carney spoke this morning of the trade opportunities of Brexit pic.twitter.com/CJXUy4epqR — BrexitCentral (@BrexitCentral) September 16, 2016 “The opportunity is very large. One of the things that is exciting about technology and where the global economy is going is that trade is no longer limited to just big firms, or medium-sized firms. You can be a small firm, three to five people, based here, and you can sell around the world. And that is increasingly going to be the case. That is tremendously exciting and it really plays to the strengths of the UK, because this is a truly innovative country.” – Bank of England Governor Mark Carney in the Daily Telegraph WATCH: Mark Carney answer questions about the opportunities of Brexit IPO markets come back to life after Brexit – Financial Times Brexit trade deals: Which countries want to do business with Britain? –Daily Express LSE Economist: Africa stands to benefit from new trade deals and, possibly, from Brexit Brexit may have significant and positive trade implications for Africa. Renewed emphasis on economic integration through regional trade blocs could support economic growth… Despite some deficiencies with the trade blocs and agreements, these developments have the potential to significantly expand trade and economic growth in Africa. They may increase competition and strengthen regional value chains. Further gains will also be achieved if the free-trade zones are expanded to cover trade in services. – Economist Sarah Logan for the LSE Blog Jan Zahradil MEP: What does Brexit mean for the EU’s ongoing trade negotiations? Brexit will weaken liberal voices in Europe, as the EU loses a major political and economic partner with a consistent history of championing free trade… We have to explain and make clear to our citizens that open trade is a crucial instrument for growth and a way out of these difficult situations that we currently face. Freer trade was one of the engines of the prosperous decades following the Second World War in Europe, America and beyond. We should have the courage and political will to champion it. – Czech MEP Jan Zahradil forEurActiv Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones: What America Wants from Brexit Following the Brexit vote, I have made it an immediate priority for the Welsh government to get out and sell Wales to the world like never before. I was pleased to announce a deal with Zimmer Biomet, an American medical manufacturing firm, whilst in the States, supporting their existing operation in Wales. Our intensified international engagement will be complemented by a new business growth and confidence programme here at home. – First Minister Carwyn Jones for The Times RedBox Brexit News in Brief Nigel Farage still has role to play in securing Brexit – Daily Express Brexit Select Committee Chair “Should Be a Brexiteer” – Guido Fawkes Europe in Crisis – The Times (£) Fishermen open floodgates for another anti-EU Brexit flotilla down the Thames – International Business Times Government to launch inquiry into impact of Brexit on creative industries – Dezeen Magazine House of Lords Brexit round-up – Parliament.uk Cheers for Scotch whisky as exports return to growth – Sky News Northern Ireland’s Attorney General could be set to become involved in landmark legal bids to stop the UK’s planned departure from the European Union. – Irish News WATCH: Juncker on Brexit: “So many lies, so many half-truths.” WATCH: President of the @EU_Commission Jean-Claude @JunckerEU on #Brexit: “So many lies, so many half-truths.” pic.twitter.com/y8hVwPwiee — BrexitCentral (@BrexitCentral) September 16, 2016