Instant View: Reaction to Brexit speech by PM Theresa May

LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday Britain could not remain a member of the EU single market after leaving the European Union, but would seek an agreement to allow for the freest possible trade in goods and services.

She said the government would put the final deal to a vote in both houses of parliament.

Following are some initial reactions to her speech.

SUNIL MITTAL, INDIAN BILLIONAIRE AND FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF BHARTI ENTERPRISES, OWNS SEVERAL HOTELS IN BRITAIN

"India and the UK have been trying to do a lot of things together and I have been wishing and hoping for this to happen ... but we have been prevented from (doing a trade deal) by the UK being part of the EU.

"That's done, it is separate now ... and I am optimistic."

OPPOSITION LABOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT ANGELA SMITH, ON TWITTER

"Theresa May's speech in one sentence: 'I want to have my cake and eat it.'"

NAEEM ASLAM, CHIEF MARKET ANALYST, THINK MARKETS UK LTD

"Theresa May has shown today that she has no interest in staying in the EU and she wants to develop a completely new relationship. She is ostensibly optimistic, but not sure if investors are willing to buy her optimism, as you can see this clearly today by looking at the markets...

"The currency advanced as she said that the final deal will be in the parliament to vote. She has asked a lot from her EU partners in relation to have an access to the single market and pay a little fee. The ball is in their court."

(Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Janet Lawrence)