The prime minister is expected to give further details of her plan for leaving the EU in a conference at Lancaster House, some of which has been released in advance.
Although it is unclear whether the Conservative leader will give a definitive answer on exactly what Brexit will look like, excerpts are likely to fuel speculation that Britain could leave both the European single market and customs union.
The government had previously signaled its intent to start the EU leaving process by triggering Article 50 at the end of March.
However, despite calls for more clarity, there has been little in the way detail on what Brexit will look like.
Suggestions of a ‘hard Brexit’ – leaving the customs union and single market – has caused concern for financial markets with the pound falling below $1.20 on the eve of the address.
It is expected it will be volatile again later today with traders nervous of the impact of the prime minister’s remarks.
In her speech, the prime minister will set out 12 negotiating priorities for the upcoming EU withdrawal talks.
She is expected to say: ‘I want this United Kingdom to emerge from this period of change stronger, fairer, more united and more outward-looking than ever before.
‘I want us to be a secure, prosperous, tolerant country – a magnet for international talent and a home to the pioneers and innovators who will shape the world ahead.
‘I want us to be a truly Global Britain – the best friend and neighbour to our European partners, but a country that reaches beyond the borders of Europe too.
‘A country that gets out into the world to build relationships with old friends and new allies alike.
‘I want Britain to be what we have the potential and ambition to be: a great, global trading nation that is respected around the world and strong, confident and united at home.’
The prime minister will state that it remains overwhelmingly in the UK’s interests that the EU should succeed.
‘Our vote to leave the European Union was no rejection of the values we share,’ she will add.
‘The decision to leave the EU represents no desire to become more distant to you, our friends and neighbours.
‘We will continue to be reliable partners, willing allies and close friends.
‘We want to buy your goods, sell you ours, trade with you as freely as possible, and work with one another to make sure we are all safer, more secure and more prosperous through continued friendship.’
She will add: ‘We seek a new and equal partnership – between an independent, self-governing, Global Britain and our friends and allies in the EU.
‘Not partial membership of the European Union, associate membership of the European Union, or anything that leaves us half-in, half-out.
‘We do not seek to adopt a model already enjoyed by other countries. We do not seek to hold on to bits of membership as we leave.
‘The United Kingdom is leaving the European Union. My job is to get the right deal for Britain as we do.’
The prime minister will also say the British people voted for ‘a brighter future for their children’ when they vote to leave the EU.
She will add that her 12 objectives add up to ‘one big goal – a new, positive and constructive partnership between Britain and the European Union’
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