PRIME Minister Theresa May’s key objectives for withdrawal from the European Union have divided opinion in East Lancashire.

Supporters have signalled their delight after Mrs May used a speech to outline her Brexit stance, after months of waiting.

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But one opponent predicted the approach will be a ‘catastrophe’ for working people in the county, as the PM detailed her hopes of a ‘bold and ambitious’ free trade agreement after Britain’s departure.

Mrs May confirmed she wanted to take the country out of the European Court of Justice’s jurisdiction and restore Britain’s controls over its borders.

But she did not rule out remaining within the European Customs Union, saying that she wanted to ensure ‘frictionless’ cross-border trade.

MPs and peers will be given a vote on the final deal reached with the EU, after Article 50 is triggered, the legislation which will trigger Brexit, which is set to take place at the end of March.

Mrs May said: “This agreement should allow for the freest possible trade in goods and services between Britain and the EU’s member states.

“It should give British companies the maximum freedom to trade with and operate within European markets and let European businesses do the same in Britain.”

The prime minister warned EU rivals against attempts to inflict a ‘punitive deal’ on the UK, to discourage others from following a similar path.

Remain supporter Graham Jones, Hyndburn’s MP, said he would be voting for Article 50, when the vote eventually takes place.

He said: “This will be a catastrophe for working people.

“In order for us to be competitive the government will need to subsidise business and that will mean the average British taxpayer paying the price.

“The idea we are going to have increased trade with Papua New Guinea or some far-flung islands, rather than our industrialised neighbours, is pie in the sky.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said there were few surprises in Mrs May’s speech and argued there was little prospect of remaining in the single market if the result was relinquishing control of immigration.

“This will give certainty to the markets as to what will be happening and shows this government’s commitment to delivering on our promises regarding Brexit,” said Mr Stephenson.

County Cllr Paul White, who represents Pendle East division, formerly regional director of Vote Leave, accused Lancashire opponents of failing to recognise the strength of public feeling after all 14 districts backed leaving the EU.

He said: “The road ahead will have bumps, but it will make us a global Britain, able to trade with the whole world.

“Companies like Rolls Royce have reaffirmed their commitment to Lancashire.

“The future looks strong and exciting for this great manufacturing county.”

Shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer said: “The prime minister has taken the precarious course of taking the UK out of single market membership and changing the customs arrangement.”

Mrs May said yesterday her objectives revolve around creating economic certainty, restoring legal and immigration controls, establishing new trade agreements and maintaining rights for EU and British nationals at home and abroad and keeping a common travel area with Ireland.