Mapping Britain’s exit from Europe

IN the two months since Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU), its government has done little to clarify where this project is going. It would be wrong to expect a detailed plan, because the terms of exit and whatever arrangements follow must be negotiated. But surely a statement setting out priorities and basic principles wasn't too much to expect by now.

What should such a statement say? To begin with, it ought to make a clear distinction between long-term goals and short-term procedures.