Almost a year after the UK historically voted to leave the EU, the Article 50 negotiations began in Brussels last month despite speculation that the talks might be delayed due to the hung parliament in the UK following the General Election.

Following the initial talks, the EU negotiator Michel Barnier said that “the first session was useful to start off on the right foot” with there being an agreement on dates and priorities for the negotiation. The UK had been hoping to push trade talks up the agenda but it would appear that David Davis has agreed to the EU timetable.

One week of negotiations will take place each month and the first phase “the negotiation rounds will be broken down into three groups: citizens’ rights, the single financial settlement, and other separation issues”. Trade will be discussed once there is agreement on these items.

On Ireland, Mr Barnier said “We agreed that our closest collaborators will start a dialogue on Ireland. The protection of the Good Friday agreement and the maintenance of the Common Travel Area are the most urgent issues to discuss”.

Michel Barnier has previously said that any deal must be finalised by October 2018 meaning the UK will have less than 18 months to negotiate. Despite apparent cabinet splits over how to approach the Brexit negotiations and so far no agreement between the Conservative Party and the Northern Ireland DUPs, Ms May remains positive. Speaking in her introduction to the Queen’s speech she stated “We are going to see Brexit through”.