UK formally withdraws from EU presidency

Britain formally informed the EU that it is giving up its presidency of the European Council next year, Downing Street has announced.

British Prime Minister Theresa May informed the council president Donald Tusk by phone yesterday saying it was "the right thing to do given we will be very busy with negotiations to leave the EU", according to A Downing Street spokesman.

"Donald Tusk welcomed the prime minister's swift decision on this issue which would allow the council to put alternative arrangements in place," the spokesman added.

The UK presidency was due in the second half of the year, immediately after Malta's.

The presidency rotates between the 28 EU member states every six months, giving each the opportunity to shape the agenda.

EU ambassadors will meet later on Wednesday to decide who will replace Britain.

Slovakia currently has the presidency, until 31 December, followed by Malta.