MAY PROMISES TO MAKE BRITAIN TRULY GLOBAL

will seek some form of unlimited transitional status, in which we find ourselves stuck forever in some kind of permanent political purgatory,” May added.

The British premier said a phased process for implementing a Brexit agreement would allow both sides “enough time to plan and prepare for those new arrangements,” possibly including immigration controls,customs systems or cooperation on criminal justice.

May warned that “the road ahead will be uncertain at times” but said she aims to transform Britain into “a great, global trading nation that is respected around the world and strong, confident and united at home.”

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

May also addressed critics who had accused her of failing to clarify her negotiating strategy or commit her government on the crucial issues of migration and market access. Brexit should be “debated and discussed at length,” May said, adding it was “vital to maintain discipline” during “a crucial and sensitive negotiation.” “However frustrating some people find it, the government will not be pressured into saying more than I believe it is in our national interest to say,” May said. “It is not my job to fill column inches with daily updates, but toget the right deal for Britain,” she said.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier cautiously welcomed the speech.

May’s comments “sketched out the government’s visions for a departure (from the European Union) and finally gave a bit more clarity on British plans,” Steinmeier said in a statement. Germany’s special cabinet committee for Brexit meets for the first time on Wednesday. Steinmeier will be joined by Chancellor Angela Merkel, Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel and other government ministers for the talks.