We have laid our cards on the table. Now is the time for the EU to declare its intentions
Rome, Maastricht, Lisbon – these cities will forever be associated with the history of the European Union, each a step on the path which took Britain nearer to the EU destination of ever closer union. After the Prime Minister’s speech on Friday, I believe Florence will add its name to that roll call, but as a symbol, of a new, more open and future-orientated relationship.
The city synonymous with European creativity and rebirth may now also enter the lexicon of British history, as the birthplace of new, deep and special partnership with the EU.
It is where on Friday the Prime Minister set out a bold and ambitious vision, both in terms of the economic partnership we seek and the security relationship we are offering.
And it is where she provided reassurance to EU citizens living in the UK who can carry on living their lives as before, and to EU member states, who will not need to pay more or receive less money over the remainder of the current budget plan.
Throughout the speech the message was clear: while we are leaving the EU, we are not leaving Europe. These words have been repeated because they reveal a profound truth about what our country is like.
Britain has always stood with its friends and allies in defence of our shared values, our security and our prosperity. That will never change, but this commitment will now be fulfilled as sovereign nation.
The UK has shown both respect and the hope of continued friendship with our European friends. We have laid our cards on the table. Now is the time for the EU to reveal its hand, and declare its intentions.
That means not simply focusing on the arrangements for withdrawal, but also talking about our future trade relationship. It is in our mutual interest to build a new economic trade relationship and a new security relationship, and do it quickly.
What is already clear is that departing the EU will also require leaving the Single Market and Customs Union, so that we will be able to pursue the independent and liberalising trade policy that will allow Britain to take advantage of global trade opportunities. This new economic partnership is perfectly achievable. It will also be complemented by a new security partnership. One that is comprehensive, covering security, law enforcement and criminal justice cooperation.
To do that the Prime Minister has proposed a strictly time-limited implementation period where we will continue to have access to one another’s markets. Britain remains Europe’s number one destination for foreign direct investment. The latest figures show more than 2,200 inward investment projects in 2016-17 with more than 75,000 jobs created, and almost 33,000 safeguarded – the equivalent of 2,000 per week. We must grasp the opportunities of Brexit and use them as a springboard to a truly global Britain.
From Jakarta to Panama to Tokyo to Johannesburg, I have heard nothing but a willingness to do business with Britain, a respect for the quality of our goods and services and a desire to develop partnerships with British business. But we must also be realistic. There are those who talk as though Europe is unimportant for the UK in terms of trade or investment – as though we can choose between our economic relationships with Europe and the rest of the world.
We cannot – they’re both hugely important for our future economic well-being as we leave the EU it will remain a crucial market for the UK.
Although the proportion of our trade that goes to the EU has fallen from 54.7 per cent in 2001 to 43.9 per cent today, it still represents a large and accessible market. My department has also been busy preparing the ground and planting the seeds for trade deals with countries across the world. We have already established 12 trade working groups with 17 countries from India and Australia, to explore the best way to improve our trade and investment relationships.
The decision of the British people to leave the EU was also a decision about how we want our democracy to work in the future. That choice was a break with the past, but not from our European friends. That’s why we can achieve a new partnership with the EU. One that is ambitious for a shared future, and delivers prosperity for all the people of Europe.
‘It is in our mutual interest to build a new economic trade relationship and a new security relationship’