In what has been called "the most important day for Brexit since the referendum", UK PM Theresa May is about to deliver a key speech laying out the next steps of the UK divorce process.
.@theresa_may has arrived for her key #Brexit #FlorenceSpeech - and in a Maserati no less. pic.twitter.com/7lw7Ffo69V
— Mark Stone (@Stone_SkyNews) September 22, 2017
As previewed last night, while few specific details are available on what May will cover in her speech, it is expected that the material will be significant given that the UK delayed the fourth round of Brexit talks (which were set to take place in the week of 25 September). A spokesperson for May has been quoted as saying that the speech would outline the UK's hopes for a "deep and special partnership" with the EU following Brexit. May was said to have discussed the particulars with her Cabinet on Thursday 21 September. At the time of publication, no firm details have been leaked, although a BBC reporter was told that May will seek a transitional agreement, with a time frame of two years being touted.
"In the wake of slow progress on Brexit negotiations, the United Kingdom may be preparing to adjust its approach," analysts at Stratfor write. "Brexit negotiations have achieved limited progress so far, and the EU side has warned that talks are still far from the 'sufficient progress' necessary to move to their second phase, which is meant to address the future bilateral relationship" which the UK was eager to begin in October. One theory that is gaining traction, therefore, is that the UK will offer some concessions to the EU which will help move the discussions on.
Read the full preview here.
Watch her speech live below.