Theresa May’s ‘letter to the nation’ in full – what does it say about Brexit?
THERESA May has written an open letter to the nation setting out her argument about why she thinks we should back her Brexit deal.
As the Prime Minister now begins the battle to win the support of MPs for the deal - after the EU’s 27 other countries gave their approval - here’s what you need to know about her letter.
What is Theresa May's 'letter to the nation'
The letter is a direct appeal to the British people to back the Brexit plan as she faces the prospect of a challenge to her leadership.
She also faces an uphill battle to secure the votes of a majority of MPs in Parliament for the agreement to come into force.
If she loses there is a strong possibility she would be forced to stand down as Prime Minister.
The letter will be backed by the release of millions of pocket-sized cards explaining why the deal will deliver what they voted for in the 2016 referendum.
What does it say about Brexit?
In her letter Mrs May says: “I will be fighting campaigning with my heart and soul to win that vote and deliver this Brexit deal for the good of the UK and all of our people.”
It was her duty when she assumed office “to honour the result of the referendum and secure a brighter future for our country by negotiating a good Brexit deal with the EU”.
She insisted her plan “will honour the result of the referendum” taking back control of our borders, money and laws.
"We will take back control of our borders, by putting an end to the free movement of people once and for all.
"Instead of an immigration system based on where a person comes from, we will build one based on the skills and talents a person has to offer.
"We will take back control of our money, by putting an end to vast annual payments to the EU.
"Instead, we will be able to spend British taxpayers' money on our own priorities, like the extra £394million per week that we are investing in our long-term plan for the NHS.
"And we will take back control of our laws, by ending the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in the UK.
"In future, our laws will be made, interpreted and enforced by our own courts and legislatures.”
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The Prime Minister also made a plea for unity after the rancour of the Brexit referendum and its aftermath.
“On 29 March next year, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union.
"We will then begin a new chapter in our national life. I want that to be a moment of renewal and reconciliation for our whole country.”