#Brexit: UK will not be 'half-in, half-out' of EU, says May

The UK will not retain "partial" membership of the EU once it leaves, Theresa May (pictured) has said in her much-anticipated Brexit speech.

The prime minister will tell other European countries the UK wants to trade with them "as freely as possible" but will not be "half-in, half-out" of the EU.

Her speech, currently taking place, is expected to include further hints the UK could leave the EU single market.

No. 10 said the prime minister would set out 12 negotiating objectives.

In her speech, May announced the final Brexit deal agreed between the EU and the UK would be voted on by both Houses of Parliament before it comes into force.

She also said the government would work to maintain the "common travel area" between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland.

The government has so far revealed few details about what it wants to secure from the Brexit talks, which it is promising to trigger by the end of March. Labour has urged May to push for a "deal that works for trade".

The prime minister's speech is being closely watched for signals about the UK's involvement in the single market (which allows the free movement of goods, services and workers between members) and the customs union (which means members do not impose tariffs on each other's goods and impose the same tariffs on goods from outside).

EU leaders have said the UK cannot "cherry pick" access to the single market while restricting the free movement of people, with May suggesting curbing migration will be her top priority.

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