UK set for 'hard' Brexit
Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday unveiled her Brexit blueprint, announcing for the first time that Britain will leave Europe's single market in order to control EU immigration.
In a highly-anticipated speech, May also warned the EU against imposing harsh terms on Britain's historic divorce from the bloc after more than four decades of membership.
She also revealed that Britain would look to strike a new customs agreement with the EU to be able to carve out its own trade deals with the rest of the world.
In a concession to parliamentary critics, the Conservative party leader said lawmakers would also get a vote on any final Brexit agreement negotiated with Brussels.
EU leaders have insisted that single market membership means accepting free movement -- a key issue in Britain's shock June referendum vote to leave the 28-member grouping.
"Brexit must mean control of the number of people who come to Britain from Europe. And that is what we will deliver," May told foreign ambassadors in London.
"What I am proposing cannot mean membership of the single market."
European Union president Donald Tusk said her speech gave a "more realistic" picture of what London wanted.
"Sad process, surrealistic times but at least more realistic announcement on #Brexit. EU27 united and ready to negotiate after Art 50," Tusk tweeted.
Britain has two years to negotiate a break-up deal once May triggers Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, officially declaring the country's intention to quit, or face leaving with no agreement.
May said London could accept departing on such terms if Brussels played hardball, but it would hurt the EU more than it would damage Britain.
May has promised to trigger Article 50 by the end of March.
May hinted that Britain might undercut the EU economically it faces the imposition of trade tariffs.
May said Britain would remain a key intelligence and security partner in Europe.
Scotland's nationalist First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said May's speech had made Scottish independence more likely.
"The UK is heading for a hard Brexit, which threatens to be economically catastrophic," she said.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said May had "finally brought a bit more clarity".
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