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.”
May is still outlining her 12 points. She says she will not seek a long-lasting transitional deal - and reach a deal with EU by the end of the two-year maximum timetable allowed by Article 50
Ms May said that she wanted to remain part of a customs agreement with the remaining 27 EU states, but said she had an "open mind" over whether this would be through associate membership of the Customs Union or through some other
arrangement.
May said the UK would regain control of its borders.
"We will get control of the number of people coming to Britain from the EU. Because, while controlled immigration can bring great benefits, filling skill shortages, delivering public services, making British businesses the world beaters they often are, when the numbers get too high, public support in the system falters."
The PM said Britain would no longer be under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice after Brexit. And Mrs May stated she would work to maintain the common travel area with the Republic of Ireland.
She says the type of agreement she has described today is "economically rational"... and adds Britain will not leave the EU on a "cliff edge".
"I believe the framework I have outlined today is in Britain's interests, in Europe's interests.... I know some want to seek a punitive deal... it would be a calamitous act of self-harm... no deal for Britain is better than a bad deal deal for Britain.
She's now threatening the EU states who are warning of a punitive deal, with lower corporation tax etc. "It would mean a loss of access to European firms to the City of London.
She now appears to be finishing her speech - May is talking about healing the divisions in the country following the referendum last year.
"The victors have the responsibility to act magnanimously, the losers have the responsibility to respect the outcome," she adds.
"The overwhelming majority want us to get on with it"
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