May is expected to start an initial two-year negotiating period with the EU by the end of March, which will determine the terms of Britain's exit.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

- Certainty and clarity

- A stronger Britain

- A fairer Britain

- A truly global Britain

NEGOTIATING OBJECTIVES

"We have 12 objectives that amount to one big goal: a new, positive and constructive partnership between Britain and the European Union," May said in a speech setting out the following objectives.

CERTAINTY AND CLARITY

- Providing certainty for business and the public sector whenever possible as negotiations take place.

A STRONGER BRITAIN

- Taking back control of British law, ending jurisdiction of EU Court of Justice.

- Strengthening the union between the four nations of the United Kingdom.

- Maintaining the common travel area between Ireland and the UK.

A FAIRER BRITAIN

- Controlling immigration to Britain from Europe.

- Guaranteeing rights of EU citizens already living in Britain and rights of British nationals living in the EU as early as possible.

- Ensure workers' rights are fully protected and maintained.

A GLOBAL BRITAIN

- Pursuing a new, bold, comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement with the EU with greatest possible access to the single market, without membership of it. Pursuing customs deal with the EU to ensure cross-border trade with Europe is as "frictionless as possible".

- Pursuing new trade agreements with the rest of the world.

- Remaining a top destination for science, research and innovation.

- Reaching practical arrangements with the EU for cooperation on law enforcement, terrorism, foreign affairs, foreign and defence policy.

- Phased implementation approach delivering a smooth and orderly Brexit, seeking to 'avoid a cliff edge' disruption.

(Reporting by William James and Ritvik Carvalho; editing by Stephen Addison)