Brexit Formal Negotiations begin

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http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-40321271

Negotiations between the UK and the EU have got off to a "promising start", Brexit Secretary David Davis says.

Mr Davis gave a joint press conference alongside EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier - who warned of "consequences" of the Brexit vote - in Brussels.

The initial focus will be on expat rights, a financial settlement and "other separation issues".

Discussions aimed at preserving the Good Friday Agreement and common travel area in Ireland will also begin.

The two men - who exchanged gifts at the start of the talks - set out the structure for the initial negotiations. There will be one week of negotiations every month.

Working groups of "senior experts" will be set up to focus on the three main areas.

On citizens' rights, which the UK has said should be an immediate priority, Mr Davis said there was "much common ground".