Press Association/Kirsty Wigglesworth. All rights reserved.UK prime minister Theresa May’s long awaited speech was intended to clarify the future of Brexit negotiations. Did it fulfil its promise? In many ways, May’s speech was a reiteration of earlier pledges to control EU immigration and withdraw from the jurisdiction of the European court of justice. The prime minister has reaffirmed those priorities today, stating: “you cannot control immigration overall when there is free movement from Europe...Brexit must mean control of the number of people coming to Britain from Europe.” May has made clear that these goals cannot be achieved without sacrificing membership in the single market.
By insisting that Britain will not allow the free movement of people, May has also effectively rejected joining the European Economic Area. Membership in the EEA is premised on free movement, one of the fundamental access points to the single market. If any doubt remained about her intentions, May added that the government does not intend to adopt “a model already enjoyed by other countries.” With even partial membership off the table, the prime minister has signalled that she will pursue a free trade agreement seeking “the greatest possible access” to the single market.
There is less clarity about the future of Britain’s membership in the customs union. Within the EU’s common trading area, goods can cross borders without being subject to tariffs. Member countries are not, however, permitted to negotiate their own trade agreements. Many pro-Brexit campaigners resent this curb on independently negotiated trade agreements. In her speech, the prime minister noted that full membership in the EU has kept Britain from pursuing its own trade negotiations. However, she added: “I do want a customs agreement with the EU.” May also expressed her hopes that Britain would continue to have access to EU markets without being subject to tariffs. Whether this would lead to a partial membership or new agreement altogether remains uncertain.
