Brexit: UK to leave single market, says Theresa May

[muriel_volestrangler]

Source: BBC

Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all".

But the prime minister promised to push for the "greatest possible" access to the single market following Brexit.

In a long-awaited speech, she also announced Parliament would get a vote on the final deal agreed between the UK and the European Union.

And Mrs May promised an end to the UK's "vast contributions" to the EU.


Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38641208

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See more coverage and reaction here:

She said her government’s 12 priorities for crunch negotiations with the EU 27 meant Britain would:

Not be seeking membership of the single market after it leaves the EU.
Take back control of its borders, which she said had been impossible with free movement from within Europe.
No longer be under the jurisdiction of the European court of justice, arguing: “We will not have truly left the European Union if we are not in control of our own laws.”
Not stay in the customs union in its current form, but would try to strike a separate deal that would make trading across borders as “frictionless as possible”.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jan/17/prime-minister-vows-to-put-final-brexit-deal-before-parliament

This is far more specific than she's been so far.

[Denzil_DC]

1. Ho hum.

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. Full transcript:

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-governments-negotiating-objectives-for-exiting-the-eu-pm-speech

Her 12 points:

So, these are the objectives we have set. Certainty wherever possible. Control of our own laws. Strengthening the United Kingdom. Maintaining the Common Travel Area with Ireland. Control of immigration. Rights for EU nationals in Britain, and British nationals in the EU. Enhancing rights for workers. Free trade with European markets. New trade agreements with other countries. A leading role in science and innovation. Co-operation on crime, terrorism and foreign affairs. And a phased approach, delivering a smooth and orderly Brexit.

Good luck with some of that ...