British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has insisted the UK will not realign with EU laws under his watch as his government seeks to sink speculation it is weighing up a Swiss-style relationship with Brussels.
Mr Sunak said he voted for and continues to believe in Brexit, pointing to opportunities to control migration and strike new trade deals.
It follows a report that his government is considering putting the UK on the road to closer ties with the European Union, which alarmed Brexiteers.
Both Downing Street and senior ministers have sought to play down the suggestion.
Speaking at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) annual conference in Birmingham, Mr Sunak said he wished to be "unequivocal" that the UK "will not pursue any relationship with Europe that relies on alignment with EU laws" under his stewardship.
"I voted for Brexit, I believe in Brexit and I know that Brexit can deliver, and is already delivering, enormous benefits and opportunities for the country – migration being an immediate one where we have proper control of our borders and are able to have a conversation with the country about the type of migration that we want and need," he said.
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"We weren't able to do that inside the European Union, at least now we are in control of it.
"When it comes to trade, it means that we can open up our country to the world's fastest-growing markets.
"I’ve just got back from the G20 in Indonesia, we’re talking about signing CPTPP, where we’ve got some of the most exciting, fastest-growing economies in the world and we can become a part of that trading bloc, that’s a fantastic opportunity for the UK."
He said the UK could also have "regulatory regimes that are fit for the future that ensure that this country can be leaders in those industries that are going to create the jobs and the growth of the future".
