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<p>A future partnership between the UK and EU is in the interests of both sides, and
we have entered into the negotiations anticipating success. However, since the result
of the referendum, we have taken the responsible approach to work at pace to build
a detailed understanding of how withdrawing from the EU will affect policies and services
for a range of outcomes, including the unlikely scenario in which no mutually satisfactory
agreement can be reached. Given the long lead-in times to implement some of our contingency
measures, we can't wait until we see the final outcome of the negotiations to begin
our preparations. But implementing the first stages of contingency plans now should
not be interpreted as an expectation that talks with the EU will not be successful,
but recognised instead as the actions of a responsible government determined to ensure
a smooth exit under any eventuality.</p>
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