News / Foreign Policy

UK government reveals strategy for leaving EU

Thursday, 02 February 2017 10:35 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 03 February 2017 6:06 AM ]

British Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Brexit Minister) David Davis speaks in Parliament on January 31, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

The British government has formally published the details of its strategy for Britain's departure from the European Union.

The 77-page "White Paper" was published Thursday, a day after members of Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill that gives UK Prime Minister Theresa May the authority to trigger the Brexit process.

May says she intends to start the two-year Brexit negotiations with the EU by the end of March.

The policy document reiterates the 12 priorities set out by May during a speech last month, including that London would seek a comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU.

One of the details published in the so-called white paper states that the UK will seek a "new strategic partnership" with Europe.

The document says that although Britain would leave the EU single market and customs union, it would seek to keep "elements" of the free-trade zone.

It also emphasizes the need to boost trade with other countries, citing growth in its exports to China, Brazil, South Korea and Mexico.

The document also warns EU nations that cutting off from UK-based financial institutions will hurt the bloc’s economy. Several prominent financial companies based in London have suggested moving jobs to EU states to remain part of the single market.

Read More:

UK parliament begins debate on Brexit bill

David Davis, the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, told the House of Commons that he would approach the Brexit negotiations in the "spirit of goodwill" because Britain wanted the "European Union to succeed, politically and economically.”

The white paper also says that resolving the status of EU nationals living in the UK is a priority. "We will design our immigration system to ensure that we are able to control the numbers of people who come here from the EU," it says. "In future, therefore, the Free Movement Directive will no longer apply and the migration of EU nationals will be subject to UK law."

In a landmark referendum held on June 23, nearly 52 percent of British voters, amounting to more than 17 million citizens, opted to leave the EU, a decision that sent shock waves throughout the world.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk