Theresa May yesterday unveiled her proposals for the UK’s relationship with the EU in a Brexit white paper that sets out plans for an “association agreement” of the kind made between Brussels and Ukraine.
The white paper, which has sparked the resignation of two Eurosceptic cabinet ministers, confirms that Mrs May is moving towards a softer form of Brexit, with Britain aiming to retain close economic ties with the EU.
The 98-page document is meant to accelerate talks in Brussels so as to clinch a deal in the autumn. Mrs May said she wanted talks to move “at pace”. While some European leaders have given a polite but guarded welcome to the proposals, the expectation in Brussels — and among Tory Eurosceptics — is that Mrs May will have to make more concessions to meet EU demands.