Historic Brexit divorce negotiations begin in Brussels
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}June 19, 2017: EU Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier, right, and British Secretary of State for Exiting the EU David Davis arrive for a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels. (AP)
UK and EU negotiators have begun historic talks on Britain leaving the bloc - with both sides seeking to strike a positive tone.
Speaking in Brussels, Brexit Minister David Davis said London wanted a "new, deep and special partnership" in the interest of Britons and all Europeans.
"There is more that unites us than divides us," he said, adding that Britain was looking for a "positive and constructive tone" in the talks.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"So while there will undoubtedly be challenging times ahead of us in the negotiations we will do all that we can to ensure we deliver a deal that works in the best interests of all of our citizens," he added.
The EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, said he hoped they could agree a format and timetable on Monday.
The former French minister said his priority was to clear up the uncertainties that the Brexit vote had created.
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