Theresa May’s 12 objectives

1. Certainty wherever possible.

Mrs May wants to give as much as possible, for example by converting all EU laws into British ones but introduced the potential for fresh doubt by promising both Houses will vote on the final deal.

2. Control of our own laws.

She wants to leave the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. UK laws will be “interpreted by judges not in Luxembourg but in courts across this country”.

3. Strengthening the UK.

Devolved administrations are “fully engaged” in the Brexit process, hinting some powers could pass from Brussels to Holyrood, Cardiff and Stormont.

4. Maintaining the common travel area with Ireland.

Mrs May said: “nobody wants to return to the borders of the past”.

5. Control of immigration.

While “controlling the number of people coming to Britain from the EU”, the country will attract the “brightest and best” to work and study in the UK.

6. Rights for EU nationals in Britain and vice versa.

Mrs May wants early agreement but knows counterparts do not.

7. Enhancing rights for workers.

Workers’ rights will be “fully protected and maintained” as EU laws join domestic legislation.

8. European free trade.

The UK will quit the single market and seek a “new, comprehensive, bold and ambitious” free trade deal to ensure a reciprocal “greatest possible access”.

9. New trade agreements with other countries.

The customs union prevents the UK from comprehensive trade deals with other countries but Mrs May wants to retain tariff-free trade with the EU, possibly as an associate member of the customs union or under a new agreement.

10. Science and innovation role.

Continued cooperation on science, research and technology initiatives.

11. Cooperation on crime, terrorism and foreign affairs.

“Practical arrangements” on law enforcement and security, including sharing intelligence with EU allies.

12. A phased approach, delivering a smooth and orderly Brexit.

Although the divorce deal following the triggering of Article 50 will need to be completed within two years, the future trading relationship may require longer to establish. This could be phased to give businesses time to plan and prepare, avoiding a disruptive change in the relationship.