IMMIGRATION CHECK: Britain can control the number of people coming in from EU
LONDON: Britain’s agreement to leave the European Union”cannot mean membership of the single market,” Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday in a much-anticipated speech on her Brexit plans.
“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. The Supreme Court, Britain’s highest court, is scheduled to issue its decision this month on the government’s appeal against a High Court ruling that May must consult parliament before triggering Article 50.
May, who has provided an end-of-March deadline for triggering Article 50, said in her speech that Britain could seek a “phased process” for Brexit following the two-year negotiation process under EU rules.
“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 toget the right deal for Britain,” she said.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier cautiously welcomed the speech.
May’s comments “sketched out the government’s visions for a departure (from the European Union) and finally gave a bit more clarity on British plans,” Steinmeier said in a statement. Germany’s special cabinet committee for Brexit meets for the first time on Wednesday. Steinmeier will be joined by Chancellor Angela Merkel, Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel and other government ministers for the talks. — dpa
Prime Minister Theresa May set out the principles that will guide her approach to Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union in a speech in London on Tuesday.
UK WILL LEAVE EUROPEAN SINGLE MARKET
This agreement should allow for the freest possible trade in goods and services between Britain and the EU’s member states. It should give British companies the freedom to trade with and operate within European markets, and let European businesses do the same in Britain. But I want to be clear: What I am proposing cannot mean membership of the single market.
NOT SEEKING PARTIAL OR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
We see a new and equal partnership between an independent, self-governing, global Britain and our friends and allies in the EU. 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. No. The United Kingdom is leaving the European Union and my job is to get the right deal for Britain.
I WANT A TRULY GLOBAL BRITAIN
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. 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 goes out into the world to build relationships with old friends and new allies alike.
INVESTMENT IN ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE
This government has a plan for Britain ... That is why, as we continue to pay the deficit down, we will take a balanced approach by investing in our economic infrastructure, as it can transform the growth potential of our economy and improve the quality of people’s lives across the whole country.
BREXIT DOES NOT MEAN UK IS TURNING INWARD
The result of the referendum was not a decision to turn inward and retreat from the world, because Britain’s history and culture is profoundly internationalist. We are a European country and proud of our shared European heritage. But we are always a country that has looked beyond Europe to the wider world. That is why we are one of the most racially diverse countries in Europe.
UK DOES NOT WANT EU TO UNRAVEL
Our decision is not always understood by our allies in Europe, and many fear the beginning of a great unravelling of the EU. But let me be clear. I do not want that to happen. It would not be in the best interest of Britain, it remains overwhel-mingly and com-pellingly in Britain’s best interest for the EU to succeed.
— Reuters
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