When Will Brexit Start? Theresa May Calls For 'Clarity,' Making Britain Strong Again

Theresa May delivered her first speech Tuesday on the so-called Brexit in the New Year, calling for a clean and friendly break up from the European Union, making Britain stronger by only accepting good deals in the future and "clarity" in when and how exactly the split will occur.

Speaking from the Lancaster House in London, May vowed the British people planned to keep close ties with their "allies in Europe," but said she'd refuse to accept any deal governing their separation that included punishment for voting to leave the European Union on June 23, 2016. The British prime minister outlined four key principles to essentially guide Britain's Brexit process, as well as potential international relations for decades to come – the first being clarity and comprehensive detail every step of the way.

May could reportedly trigger Article 50 by the end of March, enacting the Brexit process and allowing for Britain to officially separate by the summer of 2019.

"As we negotiate that partnership, we will be driven by some simple principles: we will provide as much certainty and clarity as we can at every stage," May said Tuesday. "And we will take this opportunity to make Britain stronger, to make Britain fairer, and to build a more Global Britain too."

Britain’s unprecedented act of separating itself from the Union after four decades of integration leaves a gray area in what’s to come for British relations, with world leaders thanking May for outlining her plan for strong internationalism. Meanwhile, the British pound was on track for its best day since 2008 following May’s Tuesday speech, soaring above as much as 2.3 percent to $1.2347.

"I can confirm today that the Government will put the final deal that is agreed between the UK and the EU to a vote in both Houses of Parliament, before it comes into force," May said. "At this momentous time, it is more important than ever that we face the future together, united by what makes us strong: the bonds that unite us as a people, and our shared interest in the UK being an open, successful trading nation in the future."