Prime Minister to set out 12 Brexit '˜priorities'

In a long-awaited speech in London, Theresa May is expected to argue against a deal that leaves the country “half-in, half-out” of EU institutions, fuelling suggestions she is prepared to withdraw from the Single Market.

She will instead emphasise her commitment to an entirely new relationship with the union, based on 12 as-yet undisclosed negotiating priorities. These will be based on four over-arching principles, which together aim to create a “stronger, fairer more global” Britain.

The heavily-trailed speech comes almost seven months after the UK voted to leave the EU, during which time the Government has faced growing pressure from MPs, businesses and other organisations to publish a Brexit plan.

It is expected to go some way toward appeasing these groups – but has already drawn criticism from the Liberal Democrats who have accused the Prime Minister of pursuing a “destructive” strategy.

Speaking this morning, Mrs May will repeat her assertion that the UK “will not seek to hold on to bits of membership as we leave”.

This suggests a clean break from European institutions, such as the Single Market and the European Court of Justice.

“We seek a new and equal partnership – between an independent, self-governing, Global Britain and our friends and allies in the EU,” Mrs May will say.

“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.

“We have 12 objectives that amount to one big goal: a new, positive and constructive partnership between Britain and the European Union.”

The speech follows an interview with the incoming US President Donald Trump, in which he indicated a post-Brexit trade deal between the US and the UK could be completed “very quickly”.

This was welcomed by ministers yesterday as “great news”, with the Foreign Secretary claiming there was “no doubt” it would be on both countries’ interests.

However, Mr Trump also suggested the UK’s exit from the EU could trigger an exodus of other member states, pointing the finger of blame at Germany’s “catastrophic” response to the refugee crisis.

Mrs May will seek to distance herself from these remarks today, as she expresses continued support for the European project and “the values we share”.

She will say: “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... and work with one another to make sure we are all safer, more secure and more prosperous through continued friendship.”

The speech comes as a legal challenge claiming the UK must cannot leave the Single Market without Parliament’s approval is considered by the High Court.