BRITAIN will leave the EU Single Market, Theresa May confirmed today in her most significant speech since becoming Prime Minister.

Worcestershire's MPs have described the premier's stance as "a clear plan" for the nation, just weeks away from the triggering of Article 50.

Mrs May said the UK "cannot possibly" remain in the European Union's Single Market, insisting that staying in would mean "not leaving the EU at all".

She said the Government will instead push for "the freest possible trade" deal with EU countries, and seek to sign deals with other nations around the world.

The PM also confirmed that MPs would get a vote on the final deal between the UK and EU once the details are thrashed out.

She called for a tariff-free trade deal with the EU, a customs agreement with the bloc, and "continuing shared intelligence and policing information".

But she also warned against a "punitive" reaction to Brexit, as it would bring "calamitous self-harm for the countries of Europe and it would not be the act of a friend".

She added: "I am equally clear that no deal for Britain, is better than a bad deal for Britain.

"This agreement should allow for the freest possible trade in goods and services between Britain and the EU's member states.

"It should give British companies the maximum possible freedom to trade with and operate within European markets and let European businesses do the same in Britain.

"But I want to be clear: what I am proposing cannot mean membership of the single market.

"(That) would, to all intents and purposes, mean not leaving the EU at all."

This afternoon Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, said: "The speech by Theresa May showed she has a clear plan for us to retain full access to the economic benefits of Single Market through a free trade agreement, while taking back control of our immigration policy and our laws.

"I have complete confidence in her ability to negotiate the best possible outcome for the whole UK, while remaining close friends and allies with our European neighbours."

Mid-Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston said he felt the speech "struck the right tone for starting negotiations" while allowing parliament to offer proper scrutiny.

Elsewhere in the county UKIP MEP James Carver called it a "slow motion" speech, suggesting it could have been made several months ago.

Worcester News:

Mrs May's comments followed written confirmation by Brexit minister and Worcester MP Robin Walker prior to Christmas, that the Brexit process will trigger an automatic exit from the Single Market too.

At the time he said he was only repeating what other ministers had already said.

Today, he said: "I think it is a significant step forward and very welcome in terms of having a plan.

"We've got a very clear vision and a clear, sensible plan that isn't about staying in the Single Market or trying to keep little bits here and there, but getting a new agreement which is beneficial to all."

Mrs May also called for "control" of immigration rights for EU citizens in the UK, and UK people resident in the EU today.