The Conference of Presidents has endorsed a motion for a resolution drawn up by the leaders of four political groups and the constitutional affairs committee, in which they set out their conditions for a final approval by the European Parliament of any withdrawal agreement with the UK.

The draft resolution will be debated and voted on by the full house next Wednesday.

The motion stresses the need for reciprocity and non-discrimination between UK citizens living in the EU and EU citizens living in the UK.

The groups and the constitutional affairs committee also noted that it would be against EU law for the UK to begin negotiations on possible trade agreements with third countries before it has left the EU and said they also expect ‘sincere cooperation’ from the UK in negotiations on EU legislation in other policy areas until it leaves.

They warned that bilateral agreements between the UK and one or more remaining EU countries, for instance in respect of UK-based financial institutions, would be in breach of the EU treaties.

The motion also states the UK must continue to both enjoy all its rights and respect all its obligations under the EU treaty until it leaves, including financial commitments under the current EU long-term budget, even if those go beyond the withdrawal date.

This means that the UK must continue to accept the four freedoms, the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, general budgetary contributions and adherence to the EU’s common trade policy until it leaves.

MEPs also highlighted the importance of addressing the issue of the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Antonio Tajani, president of the European Parliament, said: ‘An orderly exit is an absolute requirement and a precondition for any potential future EU-UK partnership. This is not negotiable. The privilege of union membership comes with responsibilities and these responsibilities mean guaranteeing the four freedoms. The four freedoms are the glue that binds it together and are indivisible.’

MEPs were adamant that the benefits of being a member of the EU cannot be the same for a country which leaves the EU, but suggested the future relationship between the EU and the UK could take the form of an association agreement. Such an agreement would require the UK to respect EU standards in the fields of the environment, climate change, fighting tax evasion and avoidance, fair competition, trade and social policy.

However, MEPs made clear that a future relationship agreement can only be concluded once the UK has actually left the EU and a transitional arrangement may not last longer than three years.

The UK’s Brexit negotiations will be led by David Davies, who will be facing Michel Barnier as the EU chief negotiator.  Danuta Huebner, chair of the constitutional affairs committee, will be responsible for making a recommendation to the European Parliament on whether to approve any Brexit accord.