“We will no longer be part of the single market or the customs union, but we don't think you can have the benefits without the obligations: we need to find a new framework agreement for a close partnership but with a different balance. We're not starting from scratch." British Prime Minister Theresa May said so, speaking on Friday in Florence.
“Belonging to any economic area would mean that the United Kingdom would have to respect new European rules, which would mean another loss of sovereignty – he added – As for an agreement similar to the EU-Canada one, it is very advanced, but with respect to trade between the UK and the EU, it would represent a restriction on the market and therefore we would not benefit from it on either side of the sleeve. We can do much more. We must not adopt a pre-existing model, but create a new partnership: we must be creative, have imagination. I think there are good reasons to be optimistic. Great Britain is the EU's largest trading partner and vice versa. We cannot impose tariffs. We will do our best to avoid border friction. We have to resolve our differences. Rights and duties must find a balance”.
TRANSITION PERIOD OF TWO YEARS, MAYBE EVEN LESS
“From 29 March 2019 we will no longer be part of the EU but our relations with the EU will be able to develop in a new way: I propose a period of implementation of the agreements once we leave the European Union. There will be a time limit that can be agreed on the basis of article 50. The implementation period should last two years, but we could also anticipate”.
WE WILL RESPECT THE COMMITMENTS
“We want to keep alive a prosperous and secure Europe: some claims made are exaggerated and are of no help. I don't want our partners to fear that they will have to pay more or receive less: we will continue to meet our commitments,” May continued.
NO BARRIERS IN IRELAND
“We will protect the progress made in Northern Ireland – assured the Premier – the Belfast agreement and the common freedom to travel area and we have established that we will not accept that there is an infrastructure along the border. We owe it to all Irish people."
ITALIANS IN THE UK, WE WANT YOU TO STAY
May then said that in the three rounds of negotiations carried out so far “progress has been made on the question of the British who wine in Europe and the Europeans who live in the UK. We want you to stay: you are for us and we thank you for your contribution. Life must go on as before. I'm providing concrete guarantees. No one can question our rigor in securing these points!.
SECURITY: UK-EU COLLABORATION IS VITAL
According to the head of the British government, “collaboration in the field of security is vital because we have the same values; it is essential to work together. We propose an ambitious and far-reaching agreement that can ensure a comprehensive mechanism for collaboration on security and criminal justice. If we work together we can tackle challenges such as immigration and terrorism. The only way is to come together to defend international order and the rule of law: Great Britain will continue to be by your side to defend these values, we are leaving the EU but we are not leaving Europe”.
