Theresa May says people looking for more Brexit detail 'will not be acting in the national interest'

Theresa May giving her Brexit speech - Image credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire/PA Images

Theresa May has warned that those seeking more detail from ministers on the Brexit negotiations "will not be acting in the national interest".

In a landmark speech in which she confirmed Britain would be leaving the single market and likely the customs union, the Prime Minister claimed that "stray words" and "hyped-up" reports would damage her negotiating position. 

Although she said the first of her 12 objectives for the upcoming talks was to "provide certainty" wherever possible, Mrs May cautioned against giving too much detail about her strategy.

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"It will, I know, be debated and discussed at length. That is only right. But those who urge us to reveal more – such as the blow-by-blow details of our negotiating strategy, the areas in which we might compromise, the places where we think there are potential trade-offs – will not be acting in the national interest," she told reporters in central London.

"Because this is not a game or a time for opposition for opposition’s sake. It is a crucial and sensitive negotiation that will define the interests and the success of our country for many years to come. And it is vital that we maintain our discipline."

She has already chided the media over the use of the terms 'hard' and 'soft' Brexit to describe the Government's aims for the negotiations. 

Today she appeared to issue a fresh warning to journalists about their reporting, while also urging colleagues to remain tight-lipped.

"I have said before – and will continue to say – that every stray word and every hyped-up media report is going to make it harder for us to get the right deal for Britain. 

"Our opposite numbers in the European Commission know it, which is why they are keeping their discipline. And the ministers in this government know it too, which is why we will also maintain ours. 

"So however frustrating some people find it, the Government will not be pressured into saying more than I believe it is in our national interest to say.

"Because it is not my job to fill column inches with daily updates, but to get the right deal for Britain. And that is what I intend to do."