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Ukip reveals six tests for Brexit

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall
Ukip leader Paul Nuttall Ukip leader Paul Nuttall

Ukip has set out six tests for Britain's exit from the European Union as Theresa May prepares to trigger divorce proceedings with Brussels.

Leader Paul Nuttall insists the UK must have "full control" over immigration and should not hand over any cash as part of the final settlement.

It comes as Labour set out its own six rules for assessing the negotiations, with calls for the deal to deliver the "exact same benefits" as the country currently has as a member of the single market and customs union.

But while the Opposition has vowed to reject any deal that does not meet its demands, Ukip is no longer able to register its objections in the Commons after losing its only MP over the weekend.

Douglas Carswell sensationally quit the party on Saturday, saying it was "job done" after the UK backed Brexit in last June's referendum.

The Tory defector has resisted calls to trigger a by-election in his Clacton seat, insisting he does not need to as he has not rejoined the Conservatives or switched allegiances to another party.

But Ukip's biggest financial backer Arron Banks has said the MP must call a vote and has promised to stand against him.

Mr Nuttall insisted the party was still relevant despite losing its only MP and said it was focusing on "policing Brexit".

The party's key tests for Brexit are:

  • Parliament must resume its supremacy of law-making with no impediments, qualifications or restrictions on its future actions agreed in any leaving deal.
  • Britain must resume full control of its immigration and asylum policies and border controls.
  • Leaving the EU must involve restoring to the UK full maritime sovereignty.
  • The UK must retake its seat on the World Trade Organisation and resume its sovereign right to sign trade agreements with other countries.
  • There must be no final settlement payment to the EU, and no ongoing payments to the EU budget after Brexit.
  • Brexit must be done and dusted before the end of 2019.