THERESA May’s announcement that the UK will leave the single market when it leaves the European Union has been been met with a mixed reaction in Wales.

Yesterday the Prime Minister outlined her plans for the ongoing Brexit process, which she said would mean Britain will leave the single market, but will seek a “bold and ambitious” free trade agreement with the remaining 27 EU member nations.

She also announced MPs and Peers will be given a vote on the final deal reached with the EU.

Speaking in the Senedd shortly after the Prime Minister’s speech, first minister Carwyn Jones said he was concerned about the impact of leaving the single market on the ability of Welsh firms to export their products.

“There is some clarity, not all of it welcome,” he said.

“Some of it is better from the Prime Minister, but there is still a lot of work to be done to make sure that we have the best outcome for Wales.”

He added: “Brexit is a bit like standing in a restaurant and somebody saying what they don’t want from the menu, then trying to guess what they do want without them necessarily expressing a view on it.”

But Conservative Welsh secretary Alun Cairns said he hoped people would “take reassurance” from Mrs May’s statement.

“There are new opportunities out there,” he said.

“The UK economy is exceptionally strong and both Wales and Welsh businesses are set to benefit from that.”

He added he would work with the Prime Minister, as well as businesses and other organisations in Wales, to ensure the best deal was reached.

“Maintaining membership of the single market is effectively remaining part of the European Union by another name,” he said

“Instead, we seek the greatest possible access to the single market through a new comprehensive, bold and ambitious free trade agreement.”

Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said she was concerned the plan for Brexit was focused on London at the expense of devolved nations.

“The Welsh economy is the most dependent part of the UK on exports to the EU,” she said. “Manufacturing economies like ours rely the most upon that market.

“We’re talking about industrial jobs, jobs in the food industry, in tourism, jobs that are vital to people in Wales, which cannot be put at risk.”

And Wales MEP Derek Vaughan said leaving the single market would “damage the Welsh economy and lead to huge job losses”.

“It is likely we will lose large companies due to increased tariffs and regulatory burdens,” he said.

“These big employers will simply leave the UK to seek single market access in other EU member states.”

The Labour MEP added a free trade agreement with the EU would take a long time to complete and was unlikely to be as favourable as current terms.