He went on to highlight that time is of the essence and that the UK will become a third country on 30 March 2019.

Citizens’ rights

He addressed the priority of EU citizens’ future rights in the UK, saying that they must have the same rights as British citizens today in the EU, as well as be implemented effectively and safeguarded in the UK as in the EU.

While saying that Prime Minister Theresa May’s statements are a step forward, he emphasised that “they must now be translated into a precise negotiating position of the UK government”.

Ireland

Michel Barnier also noted that the speech didn’t clarify how the UK intends to honour its special responsibility for withdrawal to Ireland. On the financial contribution, he said the EU was “ready to discuss the concrete implications” of the reference by Theresa May to no member paying more or receiving less during the period of this budget (to 2020).

Transition request

Barnier referred to the Prime Minister May’s comments on the implementation period as being the first time that the UK requested continued access to the single market for two years.

However, he pointedly highlighted that if the EU granted this request it would be on the terms and conditions that are already in existence, and would frustrate any UK ambitions to start external trade talks in this interim period.

He wrapped up his comments with a further reference to looking forward “to the UK negotiators explaining the concrete implications” of the Florence speech and emphasised the ambition to “find a rapid agreement on the conditions of the UK’s orderly withdrawal, as well as a possible transition period”.

Pointedly, there was no reference to future trading arrangements.

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UK seeks ‘implementation period’ and will pay – May