Theresa May Chose ''Hard Brexit'': EU's Response

• 01.18.2017, 22:40
•  Europe,  Info

PA

In a major speech to diplomats at London's Lancaster House, the Prime Minister Theresa May spoke about her plans concerning Brexit.

She promised a clean break from the EU and said Britain will leave single market membership, The Mirror reports.

She signalled "associate membership" of the customs union and confirmed there will be a vote in Parliament on the final Brexit deal.

She said Britain would seek a new partnership, "not partial membership, associate membership or anything that leaves us half-in, half-out."

But she threatened to walk if the terms aren't good enough, declaring: "No deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain."

She said immigration must be controlled with priority for the "best and brightest" - this could mean a visa system for skilled workers. ''Britain is an open and tolerant country,'' she said, and "I will always welcome individual migrants as friends.''

"But the message from the public before and during the referendum was clear''.

The PM also vowed to build a ''stronger Britain'' that highlights the bonds of the Union and ensures our laws are made in the four nations.

She added it’s right that the right powers are returned to Westminster, and the right powers are passed to Scotland and Wales.

But Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in response criticised UK Prime Minister Theresa May for not considering Scotland’s opposition to Brexit and reinforced Scotland’s right to self-determination.

Ms Sturgeon, in a BBC interview, agreed that another vote on independence was "all but inevitable".

She believed that Scotland should be able to choose a "different future" to the one outlined by Mrs May.

European Council president Donald Tusk said Mrs May's speech meant the EU had a "more realistic" view of Britain's hopes and said the remaining 27 states were "united and ready to negotiate".

In a message on Twitter, Tusk said: "Sad process, surrealistic times but at least more realistic announcement on Brexit. EU27 united and ready to negotiate after Article 50."

Germany's foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in turn says the speech has "created a little bit more clarity about the British plans" and noted May's willingness to engage in a constructive and positive partnership with the EU.

Steinmeier said in a statement that the other 27 countries, too, want "good, close and trusting relations" with Britain and will aim for constructive negotiations.