Britain's agreement to leave the European Union "cannot mean membership of the single market," Prime Minister Theresa May said Tuesday in a much-anticipated speech on her Brexit plans, reported the dpa. "Instead, we seek the greatest possible access [to the single market]," May said. "We do not seek to hold on to bits of membership as we leave." She said leaving the single market will allow the country to "get control of the number of people coming to Britain from the EU," adding that the "sheer volume" of immigration had "put pressure" on housing, public services and education. Immigration was a key issue in campaigning ahead of the Brexit referendum on June 23, when 52 per cent of voters opted to leave the EU. "We will get control of the number of people coming to Britain from the EU," May said. "Because while controlled immigration can bring great benefits ... when the numbers get too high, public support for the system falters." May promised that the final agreement to leave the EU will be put to parliament for a vote following Brexit negotiations with the other 27 EU member states. But she did not mention any consultation with parliament before she triggers Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which lays out the rules for a two-year negotiating process for a nation leaving the EU. "It is in no one's interests for there to be a cliff edge for business or a threat to stability, as we change from our existing relationship to a new partnership with the EU," she said. "By this, I do not mean that we will seek some form of unlimited transitional status, in which we find ourselves stuck forever in some kind of permanent political purgatory," May added. The British premier said a phased process for implementing a Brexit agreement would allow both sides "enough time to plan and prepare for those new arrangements," possibly including immigration controls, customs systems or cooperation on criminal justice. May warned that "the road ahead will be uncertain at times" but said she aims to transform Britain into "a great, global trading nation that is respected around the world and strong, confident and united at home." She outlined "12 objectives that amount to one big goal: a new, positive and constructive partnership between Britain and the European Union." May also addressed critics who had accused her of failing to clarify her negotiating strategy or commit her government on the crucial issues of migration and market access. Brexit should be "debated and discussed at length," May said, adding it was "vital to maintain discipline" during "a crucial and sensitive negotiation." "However frustrating some people find it, the government will not be pressured into saying more than I believe it is in our national interest to say," May said. "It is not my job to fill column inches with daily updates, but to get the right deal for Britain," she said.
