“We demand that the British people should have their say on the final deal in a referendum”.
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May wants “the best deal for trade, goods and services with the EU” but Brussels has made clear it would not allow Britain full access to the single market if it restricts the free movement of people, which the government also wants.
Britain, she said, would be a “bold, outward-looking country” forging its way in the world.
The prime minister’s statement comes after Number 10 distanced itself from Brexit Secretary David Davis, who had suggested the United Kingdom staying in the single market was “improbable” due to May’s desire for tougher immigration rules.
European Union leaders have already said they would only grant Britain full access in return for the continued free flow of European Union citizens to the country, while the government insists migration will be curbed following Brexit.
“We’re working on an Australia-EU free trade agreement, which will prepare the way for our own agreement in years to come”.
But the Labour leader found himself in a row over the single market after a senior aide suggested he might rule out full membership unless Britain can negotiate exemptions from key European Union rules.
Secondly, numerous ideas listed by the government are not at all radical – many British firms also want open access to European Union markets and a steady supply of workers from the continent and elsewhere around the world.
“An optimistic tone is not enough and the phrase “Brexit means Brexit” has surely passed its shelf life”, said Anna Soubry, who voted to remain in the EU.
“That is why I am determined to listen to what the industry has to say on key issues, like access to the single market”.
Prime Minister Theresa May, who did not support leaving, says Brexit means Brexit and the vote will be respected.
During her visit to China, the Prime Minister ruled out the introduction of an Australian-style points-based system for immigration policy, saying it was “not a silver bullet” to reduce the numbers coming to the UK.
The assembly has to approve any future agreement on Britain’s departure and Verhofstadt will work alongside French politician Michel Barnier, who is leading the European Commission’s negotiating team.
In her first ever firm stance on the tough question of how to tighten border controls with the EU, British Prime Minister Theresa May has straight-forwardly rejected a “points-based” system to screen immigrants.
“We will embrace the opportunities and freedoms that will open up for Britain”, concluded Davis in his statement.
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The EU, Britain’s biggest trading partner, is refusing to negotiate with Britain on the terms of its exit until it formally invokes the two-year leaving process.
