Brexit had some benefits, No 10 says on anniversary

Asked what benefits Brexit had brought, he said the UK was “no longer bound by EU procurement rules”.

“That is a big benefit for us, as well as our freedom to adapt our financial services regulations to make them more suited to the UK market environment, and that’s enhanced London’s competitiveness as a financial hub,” he added.

Since winning power, Sir Keir, who backed remaining in the EU and once supported a second referendum, has promised to “reset” relations with the 27 nation bloc and secure a better deal with it.

However, he has stressed the UK will not be rejoining the EU or the single market, which enables goods, services and people to move freely between member states who also apply many common rules and standards.

The government has also pledged the UK will not rejoin the customs union – an agreement between EU countries not to charge taxes called tariffs on things coming from outside the bloc.

Over the weekend Sir Keir will host German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, before attending a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on Monday.