Ignorant Dave? I know perfectly well from TV, press, radio and the internet that the previously untested procedure under Article 50 requires the exiting state to formally initiate the process when they wish to leave. After that point, there is a two-year provision contained as described in the following excerpts:Sorry Tom but you are also ignorant of the facts,the 2 year period is only after we trigger Article 50,we can take 10 years negotiating our exit deal/strategy and there is nothing the EU can do about it,that's why Junckers is so aggressive about it.
Article 50, paragraph 2 states:
“2. A Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention.
In the light of the guidelines provided by the European Council, the Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union. That agreement shall be negotiated in accordance with Article 218(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It shall be concluded on behalf of the Union by the Council, acting by a qualified majority, after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament.”
Article 50, paragraph 3 goes on to state:
That if within two years of a nation giving notice of its intention to withdraw from the EU, a negotiated agreement is not reached, then the Lisbon Treaty simply stops applying to that nation.
Article 50, paragraph 3 states:
“3. The Treaties shall cease to apply to the State in question from the date of entry into force of the withdrawal agreement or, failing that, two years after the notification referred to in paragraph 2, unless the European Council, in agreement with the Member State concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period.”
Your claim that we may take 10 years and there is nothing the EU can do is what I'd expect from Farage or Britain First. The reality of that situation may prove to be somewhat different, reading Article 50.
My point was pretty clear; if we're out, we're out, so let's get on with it and stop this shilly-shallying. Tell the EU formally we intend to leave and commence negotiations which we should aim to conclude in two years.
Who can possibly be satisfied if we continue to play a role in the EU while sitting on the result of a requested referendum which requires the government to take the necessary steps? All the reasons which caused people to vote against remaining will still be there - nothing will change until exit negotiations commence and probably for some time after that.
My personal view is that democracy and the will of the people should be respected unless there are strong technical or legal reasons for not so doing. I have read that there may actually be such grounds but I'm sure the Attorney General will provide his view to the government, should there be a need.
Tom