The prime minister , Theresa May , has sought agreement by the 27 other countries in the European Union to a transition period to help businesses adjust after the UK leaves . Both sides say they do not want to go back to border checks between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland The agreement in principle by the political leaders of the remaining countries would allow British businesses to retain access to the single market until the end of 2020 , meaning the UK would in effect remain a member but without a vote . However , the agreement remains conditional on other parts of the EU deal being agreed , particularly on contentious issues such as the border with Ireland .
The prime minister , Theresa May , has sought agreement by the 27 other countries in the European Union to a transition period to help businesses adjust after the UK leaves . The agreement in principle by the political leaders of the remaining countries would allow British businesses to retain access to the single market until the end of 2020 , meaning the UK would in effect remain a member but without a vote . However , the agreement remains conditional on other parts of the EU deal being agreed , particularly on contentious issues such as the border with Ireland .