UK relinquishes its scheduled European Council presidency following Brexit

The United Kingdom has relinquished its scheduled European Council presidency in light of the country’s decision to leave the European Union, the prime minister’s office said Wednesday.

Downing Street said the UK would not assume its role as president of the council, scheduled for the second half of 2017, considering that the majority of Britons voted to leave the EU.

British Prime Minister, Theresa May, had informed Donald Tusk, President of the EC of the decision on Tuesday during a telephone conversation, the first between the two leaders.

May took office a week ago after the resignation of David Cameron, who had triggered by the “brexit” referendum.

The UK was scheduled to take charge of the rotating presidency of the European.

Downing Street said May told Tusk that relinquishing the post would enable the UK to better focus in the upcoming secession negotiations.

Belgium offered to step in to replace the UK.

“We are ready to assume the presidency for the second half of 2017 if necessary,” Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Vanderhasselt to EFE.

May has yet to confirm when the UK would invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, triggering a two year negotiation period for the seceding country.

Upon taking office, May assured the British public that she would respect the democratic vote to leave the EU.

Conservative lawmaker, David Davis, was appointed Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union.

Davis said that the UK would invoke Article 50 at the end of the year or in early 2017.

Downing Street sources said that May didn’t intend to invoke the article until she had consulted officials in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in order to address future business negotiations with regards to “brexit.”

May is due Wednesday to arrive in Germany to hold talks with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel in her first official overseas visit since coming to office.

On Thursday the British prime minister is scheduled to hold talks in France with French President, Francois Holland.

May has said that she was determined that the UK exit from the bloc be beneficial for the country, and that discussions with the European leaders would allow her to table strong work relations with Europe.