(VOVworld) – British Prime Minister Theresa May delivered a keynote speech on Tuesday confirming Britain’s exit from the EU and unveiling a 12-point plan. May’s commitment to a hard Brexit policy has squashed rumors that Britain is unclear about the Brexit process.

British Prime Minister Theresa May (photo: AFP)

May’s speech shows Britain’s determination to make a clean break from the EU and its readiness for negotiations as scheduled.

Hard Brexit

Hard Brexit means Britian will leave the European Union market and the custom alliance. Trade relations between Britain and the EU will follow the World Trade Organization’s rules. Britian will be independent in global trade, free to decide its own immigrant policy, and no longer have to share the interests and responsibilities of the EU.

Britain has decided to follow a hard Brexit and abandon all current agreements. It will negotiate any new agreement it wishes with the EU. Britain expects to reach a comprehensive trade deal with the EU which gives Britain free access to EU markets with fewer trade barriers. May said she would rather do “no deal” than one which is a “bad deal for Britain”. Britain will not seek membership in the single market, but will become a new, equal partner of the EU. Many warned EU members not to advocate any sanction against Brexit which might harm themselves, and expressed her hope for cooperation with other countries and her intention to sign new agreements with them.

May revealed a 12-point plan for Brexit negotiations with the 27 EU members. She said Britian will leave the EU single market and custom union, but will seek a new agreement to facilitate cross-border trade, contribute an appropriate but not large amount to the EU budget, control immigration to its territory, continue security cooperation with the EU, and maintain free travel between Britain and Ireland.

Leaving the European Union, not Europe

Prime Minister May said Britain is leaving the European Union, not Europe. Europe remains Britain’s important ally and trade partner. President of the European Council Donald Tusk said May’s speech has made clear what London intends to do in this process. The 27 EU members will unite and be ready for negotiations after the UK triggers Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to begin the Brexit negotiation. German Chancellor Angela Merkel appreciated May’s clear point of view, saying other EU members will negotiate in a cooperative manner.

May delivered her speech at Lancaster House in London, where late Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher hailed the European single market. May said she hopes the future generation will see that the current government has begun a brighter future and stronger Britain.

MPs are expected to approve May’s decision to trigger Article 50 as scheduled in late March.