In her scheduled Brexit speech Prime Minister Theresa May has told the UK that it will not seek official membership of European Single Market, but would aim for the best access possible.
Following months of uncertainty since the June 23 EU Referendum, the announcement has finally shed some light on the kind of trade relationship that the UK will have with the rest of Europe following its departure from the Union European.
The Prime Minister told the public that, given the Single Market’s position of freedom of movement, staying within it would mean the UK would have to accept continued jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice – which would effectively “mean not leaving the EU at all.”
Ms May went on to suggest the potential for the UK to make an “appropriate contribution” to retain access to the single market, but insists that the days of the UK “paying vast sums of money to the EU every day” will end.
These announcements have been met with mixed response from figures across the country, including those within construction, with some welcoming the clarity, as Simon Smith, operations director for roofing contractor Bracknell Roofing, told Roofzine: “It’s about time that Theresa May has finally ended months of uncertainty by confirming how the Government intends to proceed on Brexit – during which time we’ve had to contend with the rising cost of imported goods because of the fall in currency rates and we’re also now experiencing shortages in commodity supplies.
“I appreciate that the Government has a massive job on its hands to try to get the best deal for Britain as it negotiates our exit from the European Single Market, but it can’t take its eye off the ball in supporting industries like ours to keep building much needed new houses. Our industry is crying out for reassurance, continued investment and support to develop the much-needed skills we need for the future.”
Other comments have criticised the narrowing of options for the UK’s trade with European countries. CBI director general Carolyn Fairbairn commented: “Today the prime minister changed the landscape. Ruling out membership of the single market has reduced options for maintaining a barrier-free trading relationship between the UK and the EU. But businesses will welcome the greater clarity and the ambition to create a more prosperous, open and global Britain, with the freest possible trade between the UK and the EU.
“The pressure is now on to deliver these objectives and achieve a smooth and orderly exit. Businesses want to make a success of Brexit but will be concerned about falling back on damaging WTO rules. They stand ready to support the negotiations to get the best possible deal for the UK by ensuring that the economic case is heard loud and clear.”
