When is Theresa May’s Brexit speech in Florence and what will the PM say about the UK’s future outside the EU?
PM to fly into city famed as the cradle of Western civilisation to deliver talk on Britain forging life outside the union
THERESA May is set to make a landmark speech unveiling her vision for Britain outside the EU in a historic city today (Friday September 22).
The Prime Minister hopes her words in Florence could be break a deal deadlock. Here is the lowdown on the crunch visit:
When is Theresa May's Brexit speech in Florence?
Her big speech will come just three days before the crucial fourth round of divorce talks begin in Brussels.
It will reportedly take place at around 2.15pm.
It comes amid warnings that progress in talks on the UK’s exit have been too slow for discussions to move on to the question of a future trading relationship as Britain desires.
Hoping to break the deadlock, No10 said the set piece would “update on Brexit negotiations so far” and it will “underline the Government’s wish for a deep and special partnership with the European Union once the UK leaves the EU”.
What will the PM say about the UK's future outside the EU?
Downing Street declined to discuss the content of Mrs May's speech, beyond saying that she will give an "update on Brexit negotiations so far".
No 10 added it will "underline the Government's wish for a deep and special partnership with the European Union once the UK leaves the EU".
Speculation is rife that she will seek to use the opportunity to make a breakthrough on contentious areas such as the EU's demand for payments of £50 billion or more to cover remaining UK liabilities.
The fourth round of formal talks had initially been pencilled in for the week of September 18, but Mrs May's official spokesman denied that the delay was caused by the timing of the PM's speech.
"Both sides settled on the date for that round after discussions between senior officials in recognition that more time would give negotiators flexibility to make further progress," he said.
Why does British Theresa May want to hold the talks in Florence?
Explaining Mrs May's choice of venue, the spokesman said: "The PM wanted to give a speech on the UK's future relationship with Europe in its historical heart.
"The UK has had deep cultural and economic ties spanning centuries with Florence, a city known for its historical trading power.
"As the UK leaves the EU we will retain those close ties. As the Prime Minister has said many times, we are leaving the EU, not Europe."
Mrs May travelled to Italy within days of taking office in July 2016 for talks with then Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on her plans for Brexit.
She was hosted by Renzi's successor Paolo Gentiloni for this year's G7 summit in Sicily, and then spent part of her summer holiday walking in the mountains of northern Italy.
Downing Street declined to say whether Mrs May would hold talks with Mr Gentiloni during her visit, or whether the Italian PM would attend her speech.
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