'We Will Not Be Derailed': Theresa May's Firm Course For 'Successful' Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May has challenged the doubters of her handling of the Brexit talks, taking personal credit for convincing EU leaders to move on the next stage of the tense negotiations.

In comments, carried by two Sunday papers, May promised that she would “not be derailed” from clinching an “ambitious” deal with Brussels as she tries to negotiate the crucial terms of the country’s final departure from the European Union.

“We have proven the doubters wrong and are making progress towards a successful exit from the EU,” she wrote.

In a bid to allay fears that UK would be hamstrung by EU regulations, she pledged that the country would effectively control its borders and be governed by its own laws.

Theresa May was responding to concerns by some senior pro-Brexit members of her own Cabinet who have warned that Britain would be restricted by EU rules during the two-year transition period.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson earlier went on record saying that the United Kingdom should leave the jurisdiction of European courts or the customs union preventing Britain from negotiating trade deals with other countries.

On Friday, EU leaders agreed to start negotiations on the Brexit implementation period and future trade with the UK early next year.

READ MORE: Scottish First Minister Urges UK PM May to Put Economy First in Brexit Talks

In the intervening period, a BMG Research poll conducted for The Independent newspaper has indicated that 51 per cent of Britons now favor staying in the EU as compared with only 41 backing Brexit, the widest margin since the June 2016 vote.