Summary

On 17 January 2017, British Prime Minister Theresa May gave a speech at Lancaster House on the coming Brexit negotiations, commonly referred to as her “Lancaster House speech”.

In her lengthy speech, the Conservative Prime Minister starts off by stating that Brexit is a fact, which is why the Government is now working on a detailed plan for the future Britain. This plan will form the basis of the coming negotiations with the European Union.

May also outlines the reasons why Britain voted to leave the EU. According to her, part of the explanation can be found in the very identity of Britain. Historically and culturally Britain has always been internationalist and seeking to create alliances across the world. To some, she argues, it seemed that being part of the EU came at the expense of those global ties and free trade.

Another reason for leaving the EU, May states, is that the UK has simply found it difficult to accept the way the EU is governed. Being part of the EU requires the individual member state to subject to coalition government and a written constitution - elements which Britain historically has very little experience with. Many UK citizens have...