British Prime Minister Theresa May, trying on Friday to reassure business and reset the tone of stalled exit negotiations with the European Union, set out a plan to retain full access to the EU's single market for two years after Brexit.

But her proposals for such a transition, for meeting Britain's financial obligations and for protecting EU citizens' rights fell short of what the EU wanted.

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier praised the speech for its "constructive spirit" but asked for more detail. Another official said it had left him "even more concerned."