UK prime minister Theresa May outlined her plans for carrying out Brexit on 17 January, delivering a determined speech which promises a “global, outward-facing Britain” – but one which will not retain any kind of membership of the European Union.
Following her speech, which detailed how leaving the EU would allow Britain to establish its own laws and trade deals, and free it from making yearly contributions towards the EU, the pound spiked in value to $1.24 – its biggest daily rise since 2008.
Her speech clearly signalled more certainty and less ambiguity around Brexit, and perhaps provides the most positive outlook since the referendum result on 24 June 2016.