Strasbourg, 17th January 2017 -- Theresa May's speech on Brexit now offers both the EU and UK an opportunity to move beyond simplistic 'in or out' scenarios on the EU Single Market and Customs Union, and instead focus on finding a new partnership – according to Conservative MEP Vicky Ford, who chairs the European Parliament's internal market committee.

Speaking from the parliament in Strasbourg, Mrs Ford said:

"We now need to move beyond the simplistic and binary view that we must either be in or out of the Single Market and Customs Union. Theresa May's speech now sets the scene for the kind of detailed and nuanced discussion that is needed once Article 50 is triggered.

"Many countries have preferential access to the Single Market, and an enhanced relationship on Customs matters. None of the existing models fit perfectly with the UK's position, and the extent to which the economic ties between the UK and the rest of Europe have become intertwined. It is in the interest of all parties to find an arrangement that maximises market access and maintains close regulatory cooperation.

"This  new relationship needs to work practically as well as politically. I hope that moving past this binary 'in or out' discussion will mean all negotiators can now roll up their sleeves and start focussing on the specific details of a new partnership that benefits both sides." 

ENDS         

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