Davis aiming to trigger Brexit talks before or by start of 2017
Britain will be in a position to trigger the official process to leave the European Union "before or by the start of next year", the newly appointed Brexit Secretary has said.
David Davis called for a "brisk but measured" approach to Brexit and the triggering of Article 50 to leave the EU before or in early 2017, repeating comments made before he was appointed to the Cabinet.
Prime Minister Theresa May has previously said she will not trigger the two-year process of leaving before the end of 2016.
Mr Davis said the Government's "first order of business" will be to begin negotiations with the aim of striking trade deals with non-EU countries such as the United States and China within two years.
This would give Britain a free trade area "almost twice the size of the EU" before the negotiation with the European bloc is complete, he said.
His comments came as former cabinet minister Oliver Letwin, who was due to head the Government's Brexit unit, warned that the UK does not have its own trade negotiators because they are all working for the EU.
But Mr Davis insisted Britain would be able to put in place new trade agreements to come into force at the point of exit from the EU having been fully negotiated beforehand.
Writing in The Sun, he said: "I expect the new Prime Minister to trigger a round of global trade deals with all our most favoured partners - and the negotiation of most within between 12 and 24 months.
We will also be seeking deals with many others
"Within two years, before the negotiation with the EU is likely to be complete, we can negotiate a free trade area massively larger than the EU.
"Deals with the US and China alone will give us a trade area almost twice the size of the EU - and of course, we will also be seeking deals with many others.
"This will provide massive markets for our exports and cut costs for our manufacturing industries."
Mr Davis said Article 50 should not be triggered immediately in case EU countries act "irrationally" and refuse tariff-free access to the European single market because the UK will not compromise on ending free movement so it can control immigration.
He said the formal process of leaving should begin after consultation with businesses, devolved administrations, trade unions, universities and research institutions.
"This is one of the reasons for taking a little time before triggering Article 50. The negotiating strategy has to be properly designed, with serious consultation," Mr Davis said.
"This whole process should be completed to allow triggering of Article 50 before or by the start of next year."
