Newington's Joe Carton looks ahead to the next fortnight in Westminster, and the issues we can expect to dominate the political agenda.

After Prime Minister Theresa May activated Article 50 last week (29 March), the European Union will now draw up “guidelines” on handling Britain’s withdrawal. These guidelines – which will give an indication to the negotiating line the EU is taking – will outline the principle priorities for the remaining 27 EU countries. Once drafted, these guidelines will have to be formally endorsed by all 27 members at a summit due to take place on 29 April. Agreement on these guidelines will provide the European Commission’s Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, with a formal mandate for negotiations with the UK.

Meanwhile, the UK's negotiating team – led by Oliver Robbins, the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Exiting the EU, and Sir Tim Barrow, UK Ambassador to Brussels – will prepare the UK to respond to the EU’s guidelines whilst keeping Prime Minister Theresa May and Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, David Davis, closely informed of any significant mood swings on the continent. 

Back in Westminster, MPs have already begun their Easter break and will return on Tuesday 18 April. Peers in the House of Lords have a few more days in Parliament – rising for recess tomorrow (6 April) – and will use the remaining time to clear up any legislative talks.

Watch out for a couple of significant committee reports, though. On Thursday (6 April) the European Scrutiny Committee will publish a report on Brexit and the European Scrutiny System in the House of Commons, whilst the Justice Committee will publish its report on Governor Empowerment and Prison Performance.