May to set out Brexit plans in coming weeks

In an interview with Sky News on Sunday, UK Prime Minister Theresa May said that on leaving the European Union she intended on striking "the right deal internationally" as well as a "fair deal at home." 

Sidestepping questions on whether she would prioritize curbing immigration from the EU over Britain's preferential access to the EU's single market, May said it was not a "binary choice."

June's referendum was a "vote for us to change that freedom of movement," May added. "We will be able to have control of our borders, control of our laws."

Single market mystery

Still unable to confirm whether Britain will be leaving the European single market, May said, "We want the best possible deal for UK businesses in the EU and for European companies trading in the UK."

Leaders of the remaining 27 EU states, and most recently German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have repeatedly warned the UK that they would "not be able to cherry pick." May denied claims, however, that Westminster wants to "keep bits" of the UK's EU membership.

"We are leaving. We are coming out. We are not going to be a member of the EU any longer," she said.

'Muddled thinking'

In light of Ivan Rogers resignation as the UK's ambassador to the EU earlier this week, May denied the former minister's claims of "ill-founded arguments and muddled thinking" in Brexit talks.

"Our thinking on this isn't muddled at all," the prime minister insisted, admitting that when 52 percent of the UK voted on June 23 to leave the EU, "there hadn't been any plans made for Brexit."

May has vowed to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will formally begin Brexit negotiations with the EU, by the end of March.

"Special relationship" to US

May's first broadcast interview of the year came just hours after US President-elect Donald Trump tweeted that he looked forward to meeting May in Washington in the spring.

"Britain, a longtime US ally, is very special!" Trump wrote.

Confronted in Sunday's interview with Trump 's 2005 quote about women in which he said to "grab them by the pussy" May said that such attitudes towards women were "completely unacceptable," adding, however, the Trump has also since apologized.

But with the UK's departure from the EU on the horizon, a close relationship with the US could prove to be more vital than ever.

"The relationship between the US and the UK is much more than the relationship between the president and the prime minister," May said, adding that she hoped to build on the already existing bond.