UK must leave EU single market, says PM

The UK cannot remain part of the European single market because doing so would mean “not leaving the EU at all”, Theresa May has said.

In a speech outlining the government’s 12 priorities for Brexit negotiations, the Prime Minister promised to secure the “freest possible trade” with European countries.

Parliament, she confirmed, will vote on the final deal once it is agreed.

Among the priorities for the upcoming Brexit negotiations were maintaining the common travel area between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, and regaining full “control” of migration between the UK and the EU.

The Government will also seek a “comprehensive, bold and ambitious” trade agreement with the EU while building new trade relationships with countries beyond Europe as part of its ‘global Britain’ strategy.

Negotiations are due to start at the end of March, once notice under Article 50 is served.

The PM said it is not her intention to “undermine” the EU or its single market. However, she warned that a “punitive” reaction to Brexit would bring “calamitous self-harm for the countries of Europe”.

Such a reaction, Mrs May said, “would not be the act of a friend”, adding: “I am equally clear that no deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain.”

Labour has warned of “enormous dangers” in the PM’s plans.

The chief negotiator of the European Parliament, Guy Verhofstadt, said there must be no “cherry-picking” by the UK in the Brexit talks.

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