Theresa May Brexit speech as it happened: PM warns European values will be crushed into tiny pieces if EU tries to punish Britain

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Theresa May has delivered her much-anticipated speech on Brexit. Here are the latest updates and reaction:

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.”

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Why the pound rallied on the back of Theresa May's Brexit speechThe IndependentSterling has endured a veritable tumble since the UK voted to quit the EU in June. Since then, it’s been one of the world’s worst-performing currencies it remains incredibly volatile. 

Kristin Hugo17 January 2017 17:04

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Kristin Hugo17 January 2017 17:17

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An ecstatic Nigel Farage has reacted to Theresa May's Brexit speechThe IndependentAn ecstatic Nigel Farage hailed Theresa May for stealing Ukip’s “phrases and words”, within minutes of her landmark Brexit speech. But the apparent confirmation that a ‘hard Brexit’ is coming was branded a “theft of democracy” by the Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the speech carried an “implied threat” that Britain will become a “low-tax bargain basement economy on the offshores of Europe”.

Kristin Hugo17 January 2017 17:55

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Steve Anderson17 January 2017 18:53

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The EU's Brexit negotiator just slammed Theresa May's Brexit plansThe IndependentThe European Parliament's point man for Brexit negotiations has said Theresa May is creating an “illusion” after she outlined Britain's plan for leaving the European Union. Guy Verhofstadt said the United Kingdom would not be allowed to “cherry pick” the benefits of the EU but said it was important that clarity had been given on the country's position.  The former Prime Minister of Belgium made the statement at the European Parliament and also said it was “not very helpful” that there had been discussions about Britain becoming a tax haven. 

Steve Anderson17 January 2017 18:56

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Campaigners demand Theresa May guarantee the rights of EU nationalsThe IndependentTheresa May has been urged to end the uncertainty affecting millions of EU citizens living in the UK by guaranteeing their right to remain in the country after Brexit.

Steve Anderson17 January 2017 19:27

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Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry has accused Theresa May of threatening Britain with a “deregulated race to the bottom” in her vision for Brexit as set out in today’s speech. 

“She is going to try and attract lots and lots of companies by asking them to pay hardly any tax at all, which will completely change Britain for the worse,” she told Channel 4 news. 

Steve Anderson17 January 2017 20:16

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France's Front National leader Marine Le Pen has praised Theresa May's speech as "courageous" and respecting the will of the British people. Deputy leader Florian Philippot said: "Well done to Theresa May who is respecting her people with a 'clear and clean-cut' Brexit. Sovereignty does not exist by halves. Soon, French independence."

Steve Anderson17 January 2017 21:23

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Steve Anderson17 January 2017 22:08

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