Theresa May Brexit speech as it happened: PM warns European values will be crushed into tiny pieces if EU tries to punish Britain
PM outlines a '12-point' strategy
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Your support makes all the difference.Theresa May has delivered her much-anticipated speech on Brexit. Here are the latest updates and reaction:
- PM warns European values will be crushed into tiny pieces
- UK to leave single market, PM announces
- Theresa May confirms Parliament will have final vote on Brexit deal
- But says UK will leave EU regardless of vote
- Pound sterling jumps as May talks of building 'outward looking' Britain
- Theresa May: Britain will not remain full member of EU customs union
- Poll: Most people back either staying in the EU or soft Brexit
- Carney: Bank saved 250,000 jobs by cutting rates after referendum
- Follow the latest updates on the liveblog below
She told those gathered at Lancaster House that she did not want an outcome which left the UK “half-in, half-out” of the European Union. Extracts released by Downing Street in advance of the much-awaited address are likely to fuel speculation that the Prime Minister is ready to take Britain out of the European single market and customs union, though it remained unclear whether she will give a definitive answer on the question.
Downing Street had said Ms May would set out 12 negotiating priorities for the upcoming EU withdrawal talks, driven by the principles of certainty and clarity and the aims to make Britain stronger, fairer and “truly global”.
Ms May said: “I want this United Kingdom to emerge from this period of change stronger, fairer, more united and more outward-looking than ever before.
“I want us to be a secure, prosperous, tolerant country - a magnet for international talent and a home to the pioneers and innovators who will shape the world ahead.
“I want us to be a truly Global Britain - the best friend and neighbour to our European partners, but a country that reaches beyond the borders of Europe too.
“A country that gets out into the world to build relationships with old friends and new allies alike.
“I want Britain to be what we have the potential and ambition to be: a great, global trading nation that is respected around the world and strong, confident and united at home.”
The Prime Minister is currently outlining her 12-point plan for Brexit, which Downing Street are tweeting out at the same time.
But the biggest news so far, is that May will give the Commons and the Lords a final vote on the Brexit deal.
She says she wants to guarantee the rights of EU migrants as earliest as possible. "I want everyone to know it remains... to resolve this challenge as soon as possible..
She says workers' rights will be fully protected and maintained and build on EU legislation.
"The great prize for this country... is to use this moment to build a global Britain.. one of the firmest advocates for free trade... we will pursue a bold and ambitious free trade agreement with the EU... "
BREAKING: Theresa May says we do not seek membership of the single market - but Britain seeks access to it.
"Because we will not be members of the single market... we will not contribute significantly to the EU"
"The days of Britain making vast contributions to the EU will end," May adds.
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