Theresa May insisted she would not give a “running commentary” on Brexit negotiations, as she refused to say whether she wanted the United Kingdom to stay in the European single market.
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Mr Davis said the government would be guided by “clear principles” – the search for a national consensus, putting the national interest first, acting in good faith towards other European Union countries, aiming to “minimise uncertainty” and to put the “sovereignty and supremacy of this parliament beyond doubt”. “We can create an immigration system that allows us to control numbers and encourage the brightest and the best to come to this country”, he said.
And she said yesterday talks had taken place with Australia about a trade deal.
Mrs May also warned the Government would not be giving a “running commentary” on Brexit talks with Brussels as it could harm Britain’s position.
However, on Tuesday, a spokeswoman for the Prime Minister stated that the Secretary’s speech merely reflected Davis’ own views and that the work on the Brexit negotiations is ongoing. A source close to Mrs May said she objected to points-based systems because they were hard for governments to control and she would prefer a system that could be more directly influenced.
Mr Robertson repeated his challenge to the PM to give an “in or an out answer” to the question.
Later, going into talks with May, the European Council President added: “I’m aware that it is not easy, but I still hope you will be ready to start the process [of leaving the EU] as soon as possible”.
Asked whether the fact that Mr Davis was speaking at the despatch box meant his comments reflected Government policy, the spokeswoman said: “Saying something is probable or improbable I don’t think is necessarily a policy”.
It says its decision to schedule the topic is based on the “huge” number of signatories.
The Conservative premier has also ruled out holding a second referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union after Labour leadership challenger Owen Smith called for another ballot to “ratify” Brexit conditions.
“That is why I am determined to listen to what the industry has to say on key issues, like access to the single market”.
The problem of how to maintain the economic benefits of single market membership while also ending free movement of European Union citizens, has become central to the debate over how to deliver Brexit.
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May, who favoured staying in the European Union but has promised to deliver on the June 23 referendum vote by steering Britain out of the bloc, said such systems were hard to manage and there was no “silver bullet” on immigration.
