Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News At Ten 20170329

No good turning back. Well, it will take more than two years, more than five years, because look how long that they talk about it. Weve just got to go in and show them that we do mean business. And well be looking at the Prime Ministers hint that cooperation on security is closely linked to the outcome of the brexit deal. Also tonight, a reminder of the Security Threat here in the uk. A crowd converges on westminster bridge, to remember the victims of the Terror Attack which took place here a week ago. Well have more reaction and opinion to todays historic events, as the Prime Minister triggers britains exit from europe. Well hear from politicians, business and members of the public. Thats tonight, here on bbc news. Good evening. The United Kingdom has formally served notice that its leaving the European Union. A letter signed by theresa may was handed to the president of the European Council today. The Prime Minister told mps she wanted a smooth and orderly brexit, but she also hinted of implications for Security Cooperation if a deal was not reached. And in a potential setback for mrs may. The german chancellor Angela Merkel has warned that the terms of britains divorce have to be settled, before any talks on trade can begin. Our Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg reports on the day that article 50 was triggered. Some moments make us. This is one. The minute in westminster, belfast, edinburgh and cardiff that the United Kingdom formally changed course. The article 50 process is now underway and in accordance with the wishes of the british people, the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union. This is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back. Probably our last ambassador inside the European Union handing over the letter at 12 25pm. The document that says we are on our way out. Theresa mays signature on our departure. Herjob now, to make it work. This, her hope. A country that goes out into the world to build relationships with old friends and new allies alike. And that is why i have set out a clear and ambitious plan for the negotiations ahead. It is a plan for a new, deep and special partnership between britain and the European Union. Her decisions about how, mean we are out of the Single Market to control immigration. As european leaders have said many times, we cannot cherry pick and remain members of the Single Market without accepting the four freedoms that are indivisible. We respect that position. A friendlier tone to the continent, an ambition to bring this country together. And no cliff edge, no abrupt change for business. But mr speaker, when i sit around the Negotiating Table in the months ahead i will represent every person in the United Kingdom, young and old, rich and poor, city, town, country and all the villages and hamlets in between. And, yes, those eu nationals that have made this country their home. And it is my fierce determination to get the right deal for every Single Person in this country. In perhaps the most important letter that shell ever pen, the Prime Minister wrote of her hope to give reassurance quickly to the millions of eu citizens who live here and brits abroad. We should always put our citizens first, we should aim to strike an early agreement about their rights. But no guarantees. The Prime Minister wants a Free Trade Deal with the eu of greater scope and ambition than any before. A bold hope, seen as naive by some, to try to protect firms who do business around the continent from new rules and barriers. No overt threat to walk away but a serious warning a failure to Reach Agreement would mean our co operation in the fight against crime and terrorism would be weakened. We must work hard to avoid that outcome. Her message, the eu needs us. She wants also to agree the terms of our future partnership alongside those of our withdrawal from the eu, to work out how we leave at the same time as sorting out the future. Labour arent the only ones sceptical she can deliver. If the Prime Minister can deliver a deal that meets our tests, that will be fine, we will back her. More than ever, britain needs a government that will deliver for the whole country, not just the few. And that is the ultimate test of the brexit deal that the Prime Minister must now secure. The clock is ticking now. Memories of today will be so different. A public party for some. Even though thats not actually the foreign secretary. And celebrations after hours tonight. Everyone unite as brothers. Yet it was almost a wake for others. Thats the sense in the home of the eu. Theres no reason to pretend that this is a happy day, neither in brussels nor in london. Some powers coming back from brussels will bypass this place and flow to holyrood, cardiff and stormont. But for remainers here and in the Scottish Government those promises dont go far enough. The Prime Minister still cant answer basic questions about what brexit will mean for businesses, the economy generally and for the type of society we live in. This six simple pages will do much to determine our place in the world in the future. The letter is less abrasive in tone to the rest of the eu than when theresa may started as Prime Minister, when she still had to persuade her party she really was committed to leaving. Now the clamour of the referendum is gone, the tone is politely practical. The message of the letter, get real. You need us and we need you. Remember, we bring a lot to the table when it comes to policing, security and intelligence services. And i think thats a little. It wasnt firing a shot but she was just making a reminder, remember what is at stake here. It is an enormous decision. I think it is exciting but i dont underestimate the scale of the task that lies ahead in the next two years. What has happened today is the biggest stimulation of british power and sovereignty in my lifetime. A letter which is really about kicking off a Trade Negotiation had six mentions of trade and ii mentions of security. It struck me as a reckless series of threats. Not that he ever needs a reason to be pictured with a pint, today ukip were celebrating. Over the moon, happy. Today, for me, after 25 years of campaigning, The Impossible Dream came true, im very pleased. And look who popped up later. What matters now is that we make sure we have a successful negotiation and we try to maintain a close relationship between britain and the European Union. In a rare interview inside number ten for the bbc, the Prime Minister promised, despite all the difficulties, our relationship with the rest of the continent will be just as good. What we are both looking for is that comprehensive Free Trade Agreement which gives that ability to trade freely into the european Single Market and for them to trade with us. It will be a different relationship but i think it can have the same benefits in terms of that free access to trade. An assertion that will take a lot to prove. One her counterparts in europe struggle to believe. Number tens time for preparation is up, now time to try to persuade. Laura kuenssberg, bbc news, westminster. Chancellor merkel of germany warned today that sorting out britains Future Trade Deal with the eu would only be possible once the terms of britains departure had been settled. The president of the European Council donald tusk said the remaining Member States would pull together during the talks ahead. And he confirmed he would set out his planned negotiating guidelines on friday, ahead of a Special Summit Next month. With her assessment of the view at the heart of the European Union, heres our europe editor katya adler. The man with the burning letter in his briefcase. Good morning. Big day, ambassador . Sir tim barrow arrived without much fanfare at the European Council building this morning. But this isntjust an historic day for the uk. For the eu, it is a momentous, never to be forgotten kick in the teeth. Visibly unhappy, this was the recipient of britains letter starting the Brexit Process. So here it is. Six pages. Donald tusk, the man who represent all eu Member States here in brussels. There is nothing to win in this process, and im talking about both sides. This is about damage control. European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker was also down in the mouth. Im sad. Im deeply sad. But beneath that sadness, palpable resentment among some eu leaders today that theresa may appeared in her letter to link the likelihood of a good trade deal, so hoped for by britain, with continued cooperation on security, so needed by the eu. I think that irrespective of what an agreement can be, what sort of agreement you can do on trade at the end of the day, we remain part of the same family and we should remain committed to fighting terrorism. So what now . Well, the European Commission is the lead negotiator for the eu when it comes to brexit. Frans timmermans is the commissions vice president. But how can negotiations even start, i wondered, with both sides at loggerheads . The uk wants divorce talks and talks of a new trade deal in parallel. The Commission Says non divorce comes first. That is all part of how we negotiate. But how do you square that circle . Everybody starts with his own interest and tries to formulate his own interest in the best possible way. Thats what we all do. So whats the problem in having parallel talks, talking about trade at the same time as divorce, for example . The position of the eu will be determined on the basis of careful analysis of theresa mays letter. There can be no future settlement if we are not clear on how the divorce settlement is going to be. To make two years of complex negotiations even thornier, the uk isnt talking just to the European Commission. The real power behind the throne lies in the eu capitals, berlin, paris, rome and 2a others. They will take any big political decisions for the eu when it comes to brexit and a Future Trade Deal. They dont and wont always agree with one another. And the article 50 time frame is very, very tight. Divisions there may be, but when it comes to the loaded issue of parallel trade and divorce talks, europes most powerful leader agrees with the European Commission. Much to demonstrates dismay. Translation in the negotiations we first have to sort out how we can untangle ourselves from one another. Only when that has been settled, hopefully soon after, we can speak about our future relationship. Chancellor merkel also stressed the importance of deciding the fate of eu citizens living in the uk, and british citizens in the eu, asap. Brussels and london agree. Thankfulfor one issue at least to unite around. Katya adler, bbc news, brussels. Lets assess the significance of today and what lies ahead. In a moment well speak to our europe editor katya adler in brussels, but first our Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg is with me. What have we learned today about what the next two years are going to bring . I think the tone of theresa mays letter which was, we love you, but were very sorry were leaving, tells us she is worried enough about the resistance she will face, she knows she has to butter them up. She had to set out a more conservatory tone that show shes aware this is going to be very difficult and also plenty of hints in their shoes where there will have to be give and take, compromise. Thats not what hes been the tone in the days and months since the referendum. It is also very clear shes not just since the referendum. It is also very clear shes notjust going to play nice. The fact theresa may gave theissue play nice. The fact theresa may gave the issue of security such prominence in the letter to other eu leaders today was notable. Shes made this point before, privately to eu leaders and publicly as well, but the way in which it was given such prominence in the letter has certainly been controversial, has raised eyebrows somewhere. One Cabinet Minister said to me, these are ourcards, Cabinet Minister said to me, these are our cards, these are our strengths and we shouldnt be surprised the Prime Minister is, in what will be a tough negotiation, willing to flex that particular muscle. Weve also seen today and early glimpse of the kind of resista nce early glimpse of the kind of resistance she knows shes going to face. W e will talk later, Thank Sta Kes as face. W e will talk later, thank stakes as we know are very high for the uk but this is not without straight to brussels. The stakes as we know are very high for the uk but this is not without risk for from. Absolutely. You saw the grim face of donald tusk, the president of the European Council as he received that letter from his heavy European Council as he received that letterfrom his heavy heart, the fa Ct Letterfrom his heavy heart, the fact this is such a huge moment for the eu, that was playing for everybody to beginning, there are no upside for the while in the uk there are many Who See Brexit as a cause of celebration, a chance for a new beginning, there are no upsides for the it is losing an influential member with a powerful economy, one of the to the eu budget and one two military mites in do so what will it is the big concern for the eu. While eu leaders defiantly say now through brexit they will unite even closer, the fact is this is an already weakened eu whose members fall out overfunding, over weakened eu whose members fall out over funding, over migration weakened eu whose members fall out overfunding, over migration and, without britain . That is the big concern for the eu. While eu leaders defiantly say now through brexit they will unite even closer, the fa ct they will unite even closer, the fact is this is an already weakened eu whose members fall out over funding, over migration the euro. So how can they stay united over something as complicated as brexit when each country has its own more likely to want to poland for example will want to safeguard the rights of its citizens who live in the uk, so its citizens who live in the uk, so it may be more likely to want to appease germany is putting politics ensure the integrity of the European Union and Single Market. It wants to ensure the integrity of the European Union and single has the upper there is one Ray Of Sunshine for the eu. It believes it has the upper hand because unlike the uk it is not under such time pressure to get a deal done. Thank you. The brexit clock started ticking from the moment the letter was delivered to brussels today, and the parties will have two years to conclude negotiations on britains exit. So what happens next . On friday, the European Council will set out its proposals for the negotiations to come. A month later at a Special Eu Summit the other 27 Member States will debate and then be asked to approve those proposals. The talking will then start, but Big Decisions may have to wait till after the french and german elections held in may and september. The negotiations should finish by october next year, when the uk and eu parliaments would both vote on the final deal. Thats the plan, but the path ahead is uncertain and there are no precedents for it. Our Diplomatic Correspondent James Robbins has been looking at the challenges ahead, as the negotiations get underway. The Europe Which Britain married into over a0 years ago looked and felt quite different. Just nine states in a predominantly economic community. Steadily membership grew, the ties that bind reached further and further across europe. The project became more political, the union ever deeper, until british voters opted for divorce. But that very complexity makes cutting the ties and agreeing the divorce terms fu namentally difficult. The divorce rule, the famous article 50, was written by veteran diplomat lord kerr, so i asked him to describe the scale of the challenge now facing britain. This is the biggest event in our post war history. If youre building a transition you need to know where you are going to end up. If youre building a bridge, where is it going to land on the other side . So we have to be clear about what kind of country were going to become. When the brexit negotiations eventually begin, around the table the key players will be led on the british side by david davies, the Cabinet Minister in charge of exiting the European Union. He will try to ensure the bargaining settles both the divorce and the new framework for future relations with the eu. Facing him on the eu side, michel barnier, former French Foreign minister, with his team representing the commission and the remaining 27 Member States. Time is already very short to agree so much. Some think the crunch will come in autumn next year. They have a vast agenda to work through. Here are just a handful of the issues. The rights of eu citizens living in the uk and of british nationals now living in the eu. The uks future access, if any, to the Single Market, with the uk controlling its own borders and immigration. And then the big question of the divorce bill. Some say the uk may be required to pay over £50 billion. Britains longest serving official inside the European Commission, jonathan faull, says a bargain will have to be struck. The uk cant duck its responsibilities. The fundamental principle is a very simple one. It is that the eu, with the uk in it, has made financial commitments that have to be met. And some of those commitments stretch well into the future. Investment projects, Infrastructure Projects and so on. Arguably the most important issue to be resolved will be britains Post Brexit Trade with the eu, and notjust in goods. Securing the City Of London and britains enormous trade in Financial Services could be even harder. All this worries some, but not leading pro leavers. Now, of course, as we go into the negotiations, both sides will try and pretend theyre in the strongest position, but the governments got some key cards in its hands. Not least the fact weve got a huge Trade Deficit with the eu. So i think the government will be able to leave the Single Market, leave the Customs Union and get the Free Trade Deal they want. Thats just one confident assertion about to be tested in the crucible of hard bargaining. In the negotiations, cutting many uk eu ties while trying to hang onto others will be difficult. Both britain and the eu say they want to remain friends after the divorce. But the process could get very rough. James robbins, bbc news. Todays process has major implications for every part of the United Kingdom, and in scotland, wales and Northern Ireland there are specific circumstances to consider. In a moment well hearfrom our ireland correspondent Chris Buckler at stormont and sian lloyd at the National Assembly in cardiff, but first lets hear from our scotland editor sarah smith at holyrood. In edinburgh, first minister Nicola Sturgeon is writing a letter of her own, one that will be addressed to theresa may making a formal request for a referendum on scottish independence. She knows what the a nswer independence. She knows what the answer will be, theresa may will tell her that can be no discussions about another referendum until after the brexit deal is done and scottish voters have had a chance to see the consequences of that. Nicola sturgeon said today that she wishes theresa may success with the becoming a negotiations because she says a good dealfor the uk is in scotlands interests, but she did not sound optimistic when she said the Prime Minister was taking a leap in the dark. The Scottish Government have not been terribly impressed by the promise from westminster that there will be significantly increased powers for the Scottish Parliament because they say they have had no detail or commitment on which powers will be returned to holyrood after brexit, so that is one more Major Political arguments yet to come. There was a protest at stormont involving People Living in the towns and villages close to the irish border. They put in place Customs Checkpoint at the entry to this state. They wanted to raise concerns there could be a physical presence at that invisible Dividing Line wants it becomes the uks only Land Border Eu country. At the moment people trouble between Northern Ireland and the republic for work, to trade and to Access Services like health care. Both governments have said they are committed to keeping the roads open and the European Parliament said they were not prepared to tolerate a hard border on this island and would do nothing but jeopardise on this island and would do nothing butjeopardise the peace process, something theresa may referred to in her letter today. But brexit is divisive at stormont. The Power Sharing Government has collapsed. Brexit was not responsible for that but it can fuel political divisions. Certainly Irish Republicans have listened to what sarah talked about, the push for an Independence Referendum in scotland. They point out that Northern Ireland voted to stay in the eu and sinn fein is calling for a border poll, a referendum on irish unity. Speaking inside the senedd this afternoon, the tone of the response from the welsh first minister carwyn jones was really one of frustration. He said it was deeply regrettable that the Welsh Government was not able to contribute to the article 50 letter and also, he said, that the devolved administrations had been sidelined and shown a lack of respect. He said that he had already voiced his concerns over the future of subsidies at the moment, some of wales poorest communities share in £2 billion of aid. The leader of the welsh conservatives Andrew Rt Davies has accused him of scaremongering over that. Theresa may said that the specific interests of the nations will be taken into account. 0ur wales correspondent sian lloyd there, and our ireland correspondent Chris Buckler at stormont and scotland editor sarah smith at holyrood. The referendum that led to the sending of todays letter and the start of the Brexit Process was one of biggest democratic exercises in british history. 33. 5 Million People took part, revealing a nation deeply divided on the future of britains relationship with the European Union. Our home editor mark easton is in dover tonight, where more than 60 voted to leave. Iamon i am on top of the white cliffs of dover. You might even be able to see the lights of france tink Daesh Twinkling in the different s. Distance. You might even be able to see the lights of France Twinkling in the distance. Huw, this is an event that prompts very different emotions in people. With the help of britain thinks, experts in Public Opinion, we have tried to understand how the uk feels on this historic day the peoples view. The ancient town of dover reminds us of our closeness to mainland europe, but also our distance. In the town hall, festooned with relics of britains complex relationship with the lands across the channel, we have assembled eight townspeople. Four leavers and four remainers. Whats your emotion right now with article 50 . Im happy. Happy . Yes, were doing a step forward, you know . Were not going to be told what we can and cant do. Weve been waiting for this for a long time, and its like were finally going to get going. Lynn, what about you . Youre an eu citizen, so how do you feel about it all . As a european, are we going to be secure enough to stay in this country or are we not . Im a bit worried. Nervous and put on edge. We dont hold the cards. Its up to europe what they agree to. I am excited. Im really excited. I need something to change. We briefed our article 50 jury on what the negotiations are going to involve. What i am proposing cannot mean membership of the Single Market. How does our panel view the balance between controlling immigration and access to trade . We do need to take back control of our borders. Losing our single trade deal as part of it, it has to happen. We have the rest of the world to negotiate individually with individual countries. What about the trade stuff, are you worried that, economically, we could take a hit . Or do you think we will be fine . I think in the beginning we may well take a nosedive. But its something we will recover from. If we take a nosedive, who actually suffers . You know . It is families. When you actually look back in history, weve always managed. So a bit of pain, if it gains, is worth it . Yeah. Yes, weve always had trade. This is different now. If we end up as billy no mates. Yes. We are going to be, the country is going to stagnate economically. And why should they trade with us . I dont think it will ever come out to be billy no mates because this country is too well loved all over the world. It is too well loved. So i think we will come out on top. The article 50 talks need to disentangle the uk from eu systems, structures and institutions. So which is more important retaining a close relationship with europe, and rights and privileges, or cutting ourselves free . I just hope that this brexit thing does not affect many people, to divide people. So youre worried we somehow create division when we disentangle ourselves from the European Union . A bit worried. Yes, that worries me, too. My son is 24 and it terrifies me, he and his generation might be in a situation that we end up ina war. Really . Yeah. I think its up to us as people that voted out, making you feel more comfortable. That everything is going to be all right. Lets imagine we get to the two year point, we havent got a deal. John, what do you think should happen . Walk away. You would walk away . Yes. Walk away. Why . Do it on our own. Put our arms out to the rest of the world. We tried. I think a lot of people would walk away. Youve got to carry on. Its started now, so theres no good turning back. It will take more than two years, more than five years. Look how long they talk about it. We have just got to go in and show them that we do mean business. Were not going to bow down to them. But isnt that what we used to do . The British Empire . Times have changed. I think we should have a more diplomatic style. So how does ourjury feel about triggering article 50 . We gave them emoji paddles. Happy, unhappy, or worried and confused. Please vote now. Four happy, three worried, one unhappy. 0urjury and, indeed, britain is deeply divided on its reaction to the triggering of article 50 and similar arguments will be played out in the months of detailed talks ahead. I think British Public opinion broadly divided into three. A third of people are really excited and happy about leaving be you, another third, however they voted, want to get on with it, for the government to get the best deal they can. I think roughly a third of people in britain think we have made a catastrophic mistake. The port here in dover handles i7 of the uks goods trade. Whats going to happen to that . Our Business Editor simon jack has been looking at article 50 and trade. In two years time this will be uks most important trade border with the eu. I7 of all goods traded with and the uk roll on and off through dover, with no customs checks. Even now, the port often backs up, leading to seems like this Operation Stack. The man who keeps Dover Running says extra Border Checks could make things a lot worse. We had Strike Action in france, and migrant activity that impacted both the Ferry Terminal and eurotunnel in 2015. That saw Operation Stack in place for an unprecedented 30 plus days. We will see that every day of the year in perpetuity, if we dont get this situation sorted. And getting it sorted will not be straightforward. Weve got less than two years to get a system in place. Were looking at an additional 300 million checks on trucks. We havent done this for over 20 years, so of course there is a lack of expertise, as well as what weve got to build up. Weve got a lot to do in a short space of time. Britains journey out of the eu is finally underway, but for business, navigating the route is still very difficult. Nearly a fifth of all goods trade in the uk come through the port of dover. There are now two years to try and figure out how to keep all of that moving outside the Customs Union. The problem is, the new rules wont be known for months. Questions like what Computer Upgrades do we need, how many extra personnel, where are the lorries going to park . All of those questions remain unclear. Like so many issues concerning brexit, although the clock is ticking, the detailed work cant yet start. This level of messy detail shouldnt distract from the great opportunities that await the uk, according to sirjames dyson. Im enormously optimistic because i think that looking outwards to the rest of the world is very, very important, because thats a fast growing bit. I think its making us much more global in outlook, and well come to a deal with europe. Its in our best interests and europes best interests to come to some sort of a deal. Hes putting his money where his mouth is, investing £2. 5 billion on renovating this 500 acre airfield to house thousands of new engineers designers. Business and government have precisely two years to prepare for departure. Two years doesnt sound long enough to sort out what youve been describing. I think my facial expression probably gives it away. Two years isnt a long time. It systems take a long time to deliver, certainly will need some form of transitional arrangement to make this work. Todays letter allows for that and it showed a new reluctance to walk away from negotiations than previous government statements. A smooth exit, it seems, is more important than a quick one. Simon jack, bbc news. If anything, i would say British Attitudes are becoming more entrenched. Remain ups are becoming more optimistic. 0nce entrenched. Remain ups are becoming more optimistic. Once we begin to see what the deal looks like and how that might affect peoples real lives, then of course Public Opinion may shift again. From the white cliffs of dover, back to you in westminster. Thank you very much, mark easton, in dover. The likely Economic Impact of brexit was one of the key areas of debate during the referendum campaign. And today the Prime Minister, in her article 50 letter, set out her hopes for effective economic cooperation. She talked of a deep and special partnership. 0ur Economics editor kamal ahmed is with me. Lets pick up on the thoughts about a more conciliatory note today. How does that translate into this whole trade and economic area . Often this whole debate, i think, is sort of fashion does a rather titanic struggle between the politics of brexit, thats about less immigration, about taking back control, about sovereignty, and what might be described as the economic sub brexit. How does britain obtain the best deal with the rest of the European Union . I think today, as you suggest, the economics won out, at least slightly. Theresa may talked about prosperity, Notjust For Britain but the European Union. She talked about that implementation phase, that we wouldnt be crashing out of the European Union. There would be no cliff edge. A little talk today about no deal being better than a bad deal. Who was that sitting next to theresa may during her statement to parliament . Philip hammond, the chancellor, the man charged with piloting the uk economy through these tough next few years. But i think to reason knows and Philip Hammond knows there are a lot of challenges today. Ford and bmw both warned for the needs that tariff free access to the European Union. Bmw said they wanted to see Free Labour Movement across borders. Then theres the public. I think he theresa may does have a challenge. Brexit and the economy have led to the top of the list of issues that the top of the list of issues that the public are most concerned about. If theresa may doesnt get a good deal with the European Union, if there is economic damage, thats not just in economic risk to number ten, its also a pretty Major Political one. Thank you. Our Economics Editor with his thoughts tonight at westminster. Youll find much more analysis from kamal and our team of specialists on what the Brexit Process will entail on our website. You can also find the full bbc interview with the Prime Minister. Bbc. Co. Uk news is the address you need. Go to the front page and the links are all there for you. Commemorations have been held here at westminster today and at new Scotland Yard for the victims of last wednesdays attack, when Khalid Massod drove into pedestrians, killing three people, before stabbing a Police Office to Death Outside the houses of parliament. 0ur correspondent Daniela Relph reports. They walked onto westminster bridge, a calm, quiet show of strength, where last week there was chaos. They were here to remember those who had lost their lives. Leslie rhodes, a 75 year old londoner. Teacher aysha frade. Tonight her family described as the coolest of mummies, lost in a cruel and cowardly way. And kurt cochran from america, the first person to be struck by the vehicle. As he was hit, he was thrown from the bridge. Today his family visited the place where he fell. Their anguish and pain so obvious. For they had wanted to come here, and to do so together. At exactly 2 40pm, the moment the attack began a week ago, the familyjoined others whose lives had changed forever last wednesday. They included Andrei Burnaz from romania, who suffered a broken foot in the attack. His girlfriend, andreea cristea, plunged into the river thames when she was hit by the car. She remains in hospital, in a critical but stable condition. Walking with the families, a group of schoolgirls carrying a message of peace. Faith groups speaking out against terrorism. Looking on, medical staff from st thomas hospital, many of whom had rushed to the scene last week. All here to stop in silence and solidarity. The memories will have been particularly raw for the metropolitan Police Officers, who had lost one of their own. Pc keith palmer was killed in the grounds of parliament, despite desperate efforts to save him. At new Scotland Yard they reflected on his sacrifice and the impact of the attack. This afternoon is about remembering the victims of last weeks events. Our thoughts, our prayers go out to everyone who was affected by the events last week. It was a moment of calm after the chaos of exactly a week ago. It was also a united front against the horror and the violence of the attack. Today, inquests opened into the deaths of four of those killed. This afternoon though was about an act of remembrance, a chance for london is to stand together. Daniella relph, bbc news, westminster bridge. Lets take a brief look at some of the days other other news stories. A man and a woman have been arrested in birmingham this afternoon by Counter Terrorism detectives. Six properties have also been searched. Police are not linking todays arrests to last weeks attack at westminster. Eu Competition Regulators have blocked the merger of the London Stock Exchange with the owner of the Frankfurt Exchange deutsche boerse. They say the deal would have given the new business too much market power and would have created a virtual monopoly. An american man who was paralysed below the shoulders has regained some movement by using his thoughts to send messages from implants in his brain to ones in his arm. Doctors say its the first time a system controlled by the brain has helped someone with severe paralysis to reach and hold objects. A private funeral for the singer George Michael has taken place in north london. His publicist said it was a small ceremony, attended by family and close friends. The singers family thanked his fans across the world for their many messages of love and support. He was found dead at his 0xfordshire home on Christmas Day last year. Lets return to events here at westminster, on the day the United Kingdom formally served notice that it will leave the European Union. 0ur Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg is with me again. Laura, people chose brexit for a variety of reasons, what you will emerge from it . Every now and then there are big moments that make us. Then there are big moments that make us. On the 23rd Ofjune Decision became clear, today with 12. 25, when the letter was handed across. As you say, people voted for all sorts of reasons, but many of the people who we re reasons, but many of the people who were persuaded to vote out did so on the promise of lots of money coming back from brussels to go to the nhs and a promise of control, the implication of reducing immigration. What was interesting this afternoon, after her very links free time in the house of commons, when theresa may spoke at length about this, she would not promise to make a significant cut on the levels of immigration, nor would she be specific about how many billions she thinks will come back, nor what she would do with it as Prime Minister. And remember, shes notjust there for dealing with these complicated negotiations, she also has to cope with expectations at home. The expectations that the many millions of people who will be watching this tonight and feeling thrilled about the fact the process is finally underway. When you think about it, there are huge opportunities here, too. But its properly the least palatable set of challenges for any modern peace time Prime Minister. Mind bendingly complicated negotiations, strong expectations at home, the Scottish Government intent on pushing their agenda for a second referendum and of course, plenty of people on her back in her own party, pushing for the kind of brexit that they want. A very, very complicated and difficult set of challenges. Those close to her say theresa may is fearless in the political pursuit of what she wants to achieve. Lets hope they are right, notjust for her career but for the sake of getting it right for all of us. Once again, laura, thank you. Laura kuenssberg with me tonight at westminster. That is it tonight for bbc news attempt. In a moment, the news where you are. But well leave you with some of the defining moments of the past 9 months, from the day the voters of britain took the momentous decision to leave the European Union. From westminster, have a good night. The british people have spoken and the answer is were out. This is britain. Were great britain, thats what we do. I dont really know where we stand. Very worrying. The british people have made a very clear decision to take a different path. And, as such, i think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction. Its a victory for ordinary people, decent people. This does not mean that the United Kingdom will be in any way less united. Nor, indeed, does it mean that it will be any less european. The option of a second referendum must be on the table. Her majesty the queen has asked me to form a new government, and i accepted. Brexit means brexit, and were going to make a success of it. Au revoir no Prime Minister, no government can expect to be Una Nswerable or unchallenged. Parliament alone is sovereign. The ayes to the right, 498. The noes to the left, 114. This was a nationwide referendum of the british people, and the british people spoke. The ayes have it, the ayes have it. The british people have been led to think of a future that seems unrealistic. This is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back. Britain is leaving the European Union. We are going to make our own decisions and our own laws. Im sad. Im deeply sad. There is no reason to pretend that this is a happy day. We already miss you. Thank you, and goodbye. I choose to believe in britain and that our best days lie ahead. Hello, and welcome to our look ahead to what the the papers will be bringing us tomorrow