Brexit: EU spells out procedure for UK to leave

The European Union has clarified the way the UK can kickstart formal negotiations to exit the bloc following Thursday's referendum.

It says Britain can trigger Article 50, which sets a two-year deadline for a deal, by making a formal declaration either in a letter or a speech.

What is Article 50 of the EU Treaty?

• In force since 2009 but never tested
• Allows governments to notify intent to leave. Talks then begin on a range of issues between the leaving nation and other EU members
• If no deal is reached, membership will automatically cease two years after notification
• The article is only a basic template for leaving, settling the date and some other matters. It does not automatically include issues such as movement of people or trade. The latter could take years to conclude

UK PM David Cameron has said he will step down by October 2016 to allow his successor to conduct the talks.

But EU foreign ministers have urged Britain to start the process soon.

Since Thursday June 23,2016's vote there has been intense speculation about when, and how, the UK might begin formal negotiations.