Dear Members,

Prime Minister Theresa May will trigger Article 50 today, marking the beginning of the negotiations and giving relative certainty to what is an increasingly complex matter. The worry now is whether two years of negotiations will be enough. Most doubt it; instead calling for an interim agreement after two years, to give more time for the UK and the EU27 to negotiate their new, post-Brexit relationship.

The Deputy Mayor of London, Rajesh Agrawal – standing in for Sadiq Khan – underlined this in his speech at our Annual Gala last week: Brexit must not result in the UK closing itself to Europe.

With this in mind, the Chamber is also launching the inaugural session of the Brexit Forum this morning – perfect timing. Guided by the Forum's Co-chairs, EDF Energy's Angela Hepworth and PwC's Neil Sherlock, participants will decide the themes that they would like to discuss in future sessions. I would encourage you to read our interview with the Brexit Forum's Co-chairs in the current issue of INFO, to learn more about what this forum will do.

Brexit is not the only current affairs issue that will affect the Franco-British community over coming months, however. The French presidential election is also a significant event, which is why we have dedicated our next Economic Update on the issue. On 25 April, a couple of days after the premier tour, John Peet, Europe Editor at The Economist; Florentin Collomp, UK Correspondent for Le Figaro; and Laurent Bigorgne, Executive Director of the Institut Montaigne, one of France's most influential think tanks, will discuss the likely outcomes and wider impact of the French election. This is a must-attend event for anyone with an interest in French politics and its wider geopolitical impact.

As you will discover below, the Chamber has a jam-packed calendar of events, forums and clubs coming up. I hope to see many of you soon.

Best regards,
Florence Gomez,
Managing Director

Scotland 'could remain in EU after Brexit' as May prepares to trigger Article 50
Scotland and Northern Ireland could both remain in the EU pending an independence referendum, according to papers published by a European Parliament committee.
The Herald

UK manufacturers tell May no EU deal is 'simply unacceptable'
EEF warns the government it needs to work with the industry to mitigate Brexit's implications amid shifting public sentiment about its impact on the economy.
The Guardian

In blow to London, EU considers passporting for fintech services
The European Commission could introduce EU passporting and lower regulatory requirements for financial technology firms, moves that could undercut London's leading position in 'fintech'.
Reuters

Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron face off for the soul of France
The two frontrunners in the French presidential election are poles apart: one stands for identity and culture; the other for globalism and free movement.
The Observer

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