ABSTRACT
In January 2017 certain aspects of the United Kingdom's (UK) moves towards the European departure lounge became clear. Six months after taking office Prime Minister Theresa May finally outlined her objectives for the negotiations in a keynote address at Lancaster House. She made clear that she had understood the tension between membership of the single market and curbing free movement of people. In a blow for those hoping for a 'soft Brexit' she announced that the UK would not be seeking ongoing membership of the single market. Nor would membership of the Customs Union necessarily be on the cards since that would curtail the UK's hopes of a forging new free trade deals. However, the Supreme Court's majority judgement dismissing the Government's appeal against the High Court's ruling in Miller ensured that the Government would have to pass primary legislation.
