Brexit: Theresa May unveils plans for Britain to stay in single market five years after it voted Leave

‘Theresa May today conceded that Britain would have to accept EU free movement and stay in the single market for at least two years after Brexit to stop businesses facing a cliff-edge departure from the union.
In a major speech in Florence, the Prime Minister committed to a full-blooded transition period after Article 50 negotiations finish in March 2019 – rejecting counsel from hard Brexiteers who want an immediate clean break.
In a victory for less Eurosceptic figures in her Cabinet such as Chancellor Philip Hammond, Ms May said free movement would continue under EU rules for the duration of the period – though immigrants would have to sign up to a new Belgian-style migration register, which is permitted by existing EU rules.
The PM reiterated her intention to secure a bespoke long-term deal for the UK, rejecting a claim by EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier that Britain would have to choose between a looser Canada-style negotiation agreement or tightly integrated Norway-style deal.’

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