In reference to her government’s plans on leaving the European Union (EU) in the wake of the June 23 referendum in favour of Brexit, the Prime Minister refused to provide a “running commentary” on her plans.
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LONDON-U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday held her first talks in London with European Council President Donald Tusk on Britain’s planned exit from the European Union.
The prime minister had set out as much of her position as she was willing to reveal earlier, during her weekly questions session.
In evidence that the crucial decisions remain unresolved in the higher echelons of the government, Mrs May distanced herself from her Brexit Secretary, David Davis, who remarked this week that continued membership of the single European market would be “very improbable” after Britain quits the EU.
The apparent rebuke sparked concerns ministers are “confused” and can not agree policy on leaving the EU.
In his first Commons statement since becoming Brexit Secretary, David Davis gave a lengthy address short on specific details about the Government’s plan.
She insisted that “we are respecting the views of the British people” rather than attempting to row back from Brexit.
United Kingdom politicians have debated a petition signed by more than four million people demanding a second referendum on whether Britain should leave or remain within the European Union.
At the first Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) since the summer recess, May was challenged by Labour and SNP MPs to confirm if the United Kingdom will stay in the European single market.
May has said that Britain won’t begin the divorce proceedings until next year, to give her government time to prepare for negotiations that will shape the country’s future relations with the rest of Europe for many years.
She declined, saying: “It would not be right for us to prejudge those negotiations”.
She added: “We will be seizing the opportunities that leaving the European Union now gives us to forge a new role for the United Kingdom in the world”.
Farage, who has stepped down as leader of the pro-Brexit UK Independence Party, accused May of backsliding.
And, responding to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, she said: “It’s free trade that underpins our growth”.
That prompted Mr Corbyn’s team to stress that he backed “full access” to the single market for goods and services but opposed certain directives linked to it, such as state aid rules and requirements to deregulate and privatise public services.
“And as I have said this is about getting the kind of deal that is ambitious and bold for Britain”.
“Japanese businesses with their European headquarters in the United Kingdom may decide to transfer their head-office function to Continental Europe if EU laws cease to be applicable in the United Kingdom after its withdrawal”, said the 15-page document, published late Friday.
“We do not see Brexit as ending our relationship with Europe”, he said.
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“I hope our party clarifies its position in support of United Kingdom membership of the single market, and continued close engagement with Europe”.
