Investing.com - British Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed Tuesday that Britain will be leaving the single market, but will try to secure an ambitious free trade agreement with the European Union.
In a speech to diplomats at Lancaster House in Westminster, May said Britain does not want partial membership of the EU, while insisting that it wants to remain “the best friend” to European partners.
"Not partial membership of the European Union, associate membership of the European Union, or anything that leaves us half-in, half-out. We do not seek to adopt a model already enjoyed by other countries. We do not seek to hold on to bits of membership as we leave," she said.
May said the U.K. would seek a bold, ambitious trade agreement with the EU, adding that an important part of the new relationship will be “the greatest possible access to the single market on a fully reciprocal basis”.
May said that it is in Britain's national interest for the EU to succeed and that she wants post-Brexit Britain to be stronger, fairer, more united and more outward-looking than ever before.
“We seek a new and equal partnership – between an independent, self-governing, global Britain and our friends and allies in the EU,” May said.
"We will continue to be reliable partners, willing allies and close friends. We want to buy your goods, sell you ours, trade with you as freely as possible, and work with one another to make sure we are all safer, more secure and more prosperous through continued friendship," she said.
May said she wants to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole U.K., announcing that the final Brexit deal will be put to both houses of parliament for a vote.
The prime minister also said workers’ rights will be maintained under Brexit and added that she wants to guarantee the rights of EU nationals in Britain, and Britons living in Europe, as soon as possible.
May said her negotiating priorities will be driven by four key underlying principles: “certainty and clarity; a stronger Britain; a fairer Britain; and a truly global Britain”.