Pressed on suggestions by the International Trade Secretary Liam Fox that the United Kingdom could potentially leave the EU’s customs union to facilitate trade deals with other countries, Mrs May said she had an “open mind” about the nature of the UK’s commercial relationships after Brexit.
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In response, Mr Renzi said Italy would do “its utmost to collaborate and support the process” of United Kingdom negotiations but added that it was “important to have a vision and precise timeline for the process”.
The prime minister said Brexit meant a “new chapter” in Anglo-Italian links but she hoped the current £24bn in annual two-way trade could be boosted. He added: “It’s in everybody’s interest to succeed in the end, to succeed in having a vision or a specific timeline which will make this pass easier”.
The U.K. premier has indicated she’d like to preserve as much free trade as possible, as well as so-called passporting for the country’s financial-services industry, while being able to restrict the free movement of European Union citizens to the U.K.
It was not clear whether the issue was discussed in depth between the two leaders, or whether May’s remarks represented a concern for British citizens overseas, or a veiled threat to counterparts like Renzi who want to see ensure their citizens are not adversely affected.
“But it is the British people’s decision and we respect it”, said Renzi.
Mrs May also revealed she had chaired the first meeting of a Cabinet committee on exiting the European Union to “prepare and plan for an orderly departure”.
She added that the European Union referendum sent a clear message that the British people want “some control” over free movement but that she would also strive to achieve the best possible deal on free trade during the negotiations. “Now we have to deal with it with common sense”.
Appearing to dismiss the Norway model for Britain’s post-Brexit future, she said: “But, on the other side, we do of course need to ensure that we get the best possible deal in relation to trade in goods and services”. “We will deliver on that”.
May said she hoped there would be a new chapter in Anglo-Italian relations and that they would continue to meet within G7, G20 and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
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“We are interested as the Italian government to work together, to collaborate, and you can really count on our collaboration in order to make this path the most effective possible”, he said.
