LONDON—Britain is leaving the European Union’s single market but wants a “frictionless” new trade relationship with the bloc, the government said Thursday in the most detailed account yet of its EU exit plans.
In a bid to ease uncertainty around the U.K.’s exit from the European Union—and appease opposition demands for greater clarity—the government published a White Paper outlining “strategic aims” in divorce talks it plans to trigger within weeks.
Brexit Secretary David Davis told lawmakers that Britain would work toward “a new positive and constructive partnership” with the bloc and seek an outcome of “mutual benefit” to both sides.
The 75-page document confirms what Prime Minister Theresa May announced in a speech last month: Britain will leave the EU’s single market in goods and services, and also seek a new customs arrangement with the soon-to-be 27-nation bloc.
Davis said the goal is “the most free and frictionless trade in goods and services as possible.”
The word “frictionless” appears frequently as Britain’s ideal relationship, but the document does not go into detail, noting that the eventual trade and customs relationships will be hammered out during negotiations.
It says Britain will leave the single market in order to gain control over immigration—a key issue for many British supporters of Brexit. But it also says Britain may retain “elements of current single market arrangements.”
