‘There is a strong case for trying to remain in the single market’

negotiating an exit deal and putting it to the British people in a vote, it will “concentrate minds across the Channel: if they want to conclude this amicably and quickly, which is in their interests as much as ours, they need to put a ‘Norway-plus’ deal on the table”.

However, the EU was yesterday deeply divided over its response to the referendum result.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of Poland’s ruling party, said his country wants Britain to hold a second referendum on EU membership. “Our idea for today ... foresees efforts aimed at making Britain return, including a second referendum,” he said.

There was a growing eastern European backlash against Mr Juncker, whose constant calls for “more Europe” are being blamed in some quarters for driving the UK to the exit.

A day after the Czech foreign minis- ter called publicly for Mr Juncker’s resignation, Poland announced it would lead an informal group of nations within the EU seeking reform of the bloc, which has been badly undermined by the British decision to Leave.

European diplomats said yesterday that Britain has no chance of getting ac- cess to the single market unless it accepts free movement. A Norway-style deal that grants UK access to the single market could only come with unlimited EU migration as a condition.

Addressing MPs in the Commons for the first time after announcing his resignation, Mr Cameron warned that pro-EU MPs and ministers must not attempt to block a Brexit. He said the Government will “deliver the country’s will to exit the European Union, although the key decisions for that will be taken by the next prime minister”. Mr Cameron said ministers must “accept the result” the British people have given and “get on and deliver it”.

However, when asked whether it is important for Britain to remain in the single market, he said: “There is obviously a very strong case for trying to remain in that single market in some form but that’s going to be a decision for the new government and for the Parliament.”

Mr Cameron was later asked by David Lammy, a Labour MP, whether there could be a “second referendum on the detail” of Britain’s exit. He replied “we have to set out the options for the model of leaving – the next government will make those decisions”.

‘We have to set out options for the model of leaving. The next government will make those decisions’