London wants to create a "free trade zone" with the EU

Free Trade Area, end of free movement and new customs model: Theresa May presented, Friday, July 6, her vision of the future relationship it wants with the European Union (EU). A proposal long awaited by the Europeans, tired of the procrastination of the British government over the content of the negotiations.

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The British plan, which confirms the end of the free movement of persons for "giving back" to the United Kingdom the control of its migration policy, was unveiled at the end of a marathon meeting from the executive to Checkers, the country residence of the British prime ministers, 70 km northwest of London.

"Our proposal would create a free trade zone between the UK and the EU with a common set of rules for industrial goods and agricultural products " says Theresa May in a statement, Downing Street specifying that the service sector would be the subject " of different arrangements ".

"We have also agreed on a new business-friendly customs model with the freedom to enter into new trade agreements around the world.

According to the British Executive, these proposals will make it possible to avoid the return of a physical border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, this question being the main stumbling block of the current negotiations and a worry major for the inhabitants of the island

Critical reactions

In this project, London also emphasizes the need for "intensify" the preparation work to face all possible scenarios – in particular that of a possible exit of the EU without agreement with Brussels, which fear the companies.

Theresa May, who will publish next week a white paper detailing further its objectives, specifies that this proposal results from a "Common Position" members of his government, whose divisions on the directions to give to Brexit had caused fear the worst for the meeting of Fri dredi to Checkers

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Hardly published, the project of Theresa May already aroused critical reactions on the side of Eurosceptics. "We now see the true face of Theresa May. This is a bad [plan] for the UK " said in a statement John Longworth, co-chair of the pro-Brexit movement Leave Means Leave.

Now remains to know what will be the reaction from Brussels, who would like to see the discussions finally progress. Friday, Michel Barnier, the chief negotiator of the EU, said "be ready to adapt his offer" and hopes that the white paper will solve "the political debate in the Kingdom And negotiations with us ".