British PM May expects more outward-looking Britain after triggering Brexit
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E-mail Xinhua, March 29, 2017
British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday that she wanted Britain to emerge as more outward-looking than ever before while addressing the House of Commons to confirm triggering of the Brexit process.
Addressing Members of Parliament (MPs) in a packed House of Commons at Westminster, May said she wanted Britain to emerge from this period of change stronger, fairer, more united and more outward-looking than ever before.
The prime minister also issued a plea to the people of Britain to come together.
"At moments like these, great turning points in our national story, the choices we make define the character of our nation. It is this generation's chance to shape a better future for our country," said May.
When it came to Britain leaving the European single market which provides free trade access to the other 27 EU member states, May said there was no reason why a deep and special partnership could not be agreed between Britain and the EU.
She said Britain wanted to continue trading with the EU, and wanted the closest possible security cooperation to keep people safe.
"At a time when the growth of global trade is slowing and there are signs that protectionist instincts are on the rise in many parts of the world, Europe has a responsibility to stand up for free trade in the interests of all our citizens," said the British PM.
"With Europe's security more fragile today than at any time since the end of the Cold War, weakening our cooperation and failing to stand up for European values would be a costly mistake," she continued.
But the British PM said the vote to leave the EU was no rejection of the values British share as fellow Europeans.
"As a European country, we will continue to play our part in promoting and supporting those values -- during the negotiations and once they are done," said May.
And the British PM said Britain wants to continue to buy goods and services from the EU, and sell them British ones.
"We want to trade with them as freely as possible, and work with one another to make sure we are all safer, more secure and more prosperous," asserted May.
She said she wanted to keep the Common Travel Area with the Irish Republic, with no borders between the republic and Northern Ireland. Ireland is to remain as a member of the EU.
The prime minister also said Britain would negotiate as one United Kingdom, effectively ruling out any chance of the Scottish Parliament's call for a new independence referendum.
"When I sit around the negotiating table in the months ahead, I will represent every person in the whole United Kingdom," said May.
May also said she had called for the status of EU nationals in Britain, and British people living in EU countries, to be given a top priority in the negotiations.
May's speech ended with a rallying call to politicians from across the political spectrum, and people in all regions, to work for a united country.
She said: "This great national moment needs a great national effort." Enditem
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