In her first New Year message as Prime Minister, Theresa May took the opportunity to share her promises to seek a Brexit deal that would work for all Britons – not just those who voted leave.
May said in her televised message that she hoped to build a stronger, fairer and more secure Britain despite recent divisions.
“These ambitions unite us, so that we are no longer the 52 percent who voted Leave and the 48 percent who voted Remain, but one great union of people and nations with a proud history and a bright future,” said May.
“So when I sit around the negotiating table in Europe this year, it will be with that in mind – the knowledge that I am there to get the right deal, not just for those who voted to leave but for every single person in this country.”
This was following claims that the government was seeking a ‘hard Brexit’, in which the UK is out of both the single market and the customs union.
Theresa May also acknowledged divisions within the UK, whereby Scotland and Ireland voted remain whilst England and Wales voted to leave. She referred to Britain as a “precious union” that needs to come together, despite the result of the referendum.
Nicola Sturgeon also reassured Scots, in her own New Year message.
“We are determined that Scotland’s vote to remain in the European Union will be respected and that people in Scotland retain as many of the benefits of EU membership as possible, including the freedom to work, travel and study in other member states.” said Sturgeon.
Ending her message, the Prime Minister quoted the MP Jo Cox – who was tragically murdered last year.
“As the fantastic MP Jo Cox, who was so tragically taken from us last year, put it: ‘We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.’”