Anushka Asthana Political editor
Control over immigration and removing Britain from jurisdiction of European court of justice top priorities, speech will say
Theresa May will insist that the UK wants to remain ‘the best friend’ to European partners. Photograph: James Gourley/Rex/Shutterstock
Theresa May is expected to use the most important speech of her premiership to confirm that Britain will be leaving the single market while insisting that it wants to remain “the best friend” to European partners.
In remarks that critics will cite as evidence that the government is pursuing a hard Brexit, the prime minister will set out 12 key priorities for the EU negotiations, with no compromise over the ability to control borders and regain sovereignty.
Speaking to an audience at Lancaster House, Westminster, including ambassadors from across the world, May will stress her ambition to reach out beyond the continent to build new trading relationships in a move that suggests the UK will also leave the customs union.
However, the prime minister is likely to restate an argument that she does not see it as an either/or choice and say that whatever final deal on trade and customs duties is struck, lorries will be able to pass through Dover and other ports unhindered, despite warnings from others on the issue.
“We seek 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,” May is expected to say.
“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. The United Kingdom is leaving the European Union. My job is to get the right deal for Britain as we do.”
Advisers know the speech could have an impact on the value on sterling by confirming that the UK cannot stay in the single market, but May will say that British voters backed Brexit “with their eyes open”.
In a speech that will delight Eurosceptic backbenchers, she will avoid talking about soft or hard options, but instead promise a clean break from the EU.
The priorities include control over immigration and removing Britain from the jurisdiction of the European court of justice plus securing the rights of EU citizens in Britain, committing to retain worker’s rights, building a strong trading relationship with the EU and rest of the world, making Britain an attractive place for investors and students, and preserving the union.
May will say that these negotiating priorities will be driven by four underlying principles: “certainty and clarity; a stronger Britain; a fairer Britain; and a truly global Britain”.
The prime minister will attempt to offer a more positive vision of the situation to other European countries. “Our vote to leave the European Union was no rejection of the values we share. The decision to leave the EU represents no desire to become more distant to you, our friends and neighbours. We will continue to be reliable partners, willing allies and close friends,” she will say.
“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.”
May’s words, which sources say have had significant input from the foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, and Brexit secretary, David Davis, is likely to be cheered by MPs who support Brexit. Staff in Downing Street are also said to be positive about the speech, which is expected to be long and detailed.
However, many of May’s opponents, including some within the Conservative party, will despair at the lack of compromise on migration and sovereignty that will mean Britain has no choice but to leave the European single market.
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