Theresa May marks one year countdown to Brexit with UK-wide tour
3 min read
The Prime Minister will travel across the four nations of the UK today in a whistle-stop trip to promote her post-Brexit vision.
Starting in Scotland, and ending in London via Belfast and Barry, the Prime Minister is set to speak with farmers, businesses, EU citizens and young parents as she sets out her plans for leaving the bloc.
Mrs May will attempt to convince voters that her Government can conclude a deal which will benefit every part of the country “no matter whether you voted Leave or Remain”.
Speaking ahead of the trip, the Prime Minister said that after Brexit the four nations of the “world’s most successful union” would strengthen the bonds between them.
"Today, one year until the UK leaves the EU and begins to chart a new course in the world, I am visiting all four nations of the Union to hear from people across our country what Brexit means to them. I am determined that as we leave the EU, and in the years ahead, we will strengthen the bonds that unite us, because ours is the world’s most successful union. The UK contains four proud and historic nations, but together we amount to so much more than the sum of our parts and our Union is an enormous force for good.
"We see that on the global stage, where the UK stands up for liberal and democratic values and leads the world in international development action. And we see the enormous benefits of our Union at home too, as we face challenges together, freely pooling and sharing risks and rewards as one united people."
In an attempt to ease concerns from the devolved administrations about a potential Brexit power grab, she highlighted that each of them would be handed extra powers after the UK exits.
But she added that she had an “absolute responsibility” to safeguard the integrity of the Union. Alluding to the Irish border situation, she vowed there would be no new barriers as she said that “no Prime Minister could leave these things to chance.”
“As we leave the EU, powers will return from Brussels to the parliaments and assemblies of the UK, closer to the people we all serve and with greater ability to deliver for their needs. Each of the devolved nations will see an increase in their decision-making powers. Make no mistake, this government is absolutely committed to the devolution settlements as we have demonstrated beyond question with landmark pieces of legislation over the last few years.
"But as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, I have an absolute responsibility to protect the integrity of the United Kingdom as a whole. That means ensuring that no new barriers are created within our common domestic market and that the UK is able to meet its international obligations in the future. No Prime Minister could leave these things to chance, because they are absolutely crucial to our success as a country in the future. "
International Trade Secretary Liam Fox is also set out mark the one-year countdown with the launch of a new National Trade Academy Programme in an attempt to help British businesses export more of their goods and services.
He said the scheme would "help secure jobs, growth and prosperity for the future, and help make the UK a global trading nation once again".
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