In Davos, PM May unveils vision for global Britain post-Brexit

The stage is set for a epic showdown during the coming so called negotiations - there will be some dialogue and perhaps mediation. However both the EU and UK have, and some would conclude overstated, there positions publicly in fits of outrage and indignation. Economically the timing couldn't have been worse, a Euro-zone banking and debt crisis looming, a variable graveyard of low growth;

Commission cuts growth forecast for both EU and eurozone in 2017.....

https://www.euractiv.com/section/euro-finance/news/commission-cuts-growth-forecast-for-both-eu-and-eurozone-in-2017/

Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond message of intent was clear......

“Nobody wants to see Britain pulling up the drawbridge, “If somehow, despite our best efforts, political retribution were to triumph over economic logic and we don’t get a fair deal providing the reasonable access to each other’s markets… we will have to do whatever is necessary to ensure the continued competitiveness of our economy in those circumstances”............

Continuing ...."A free trade deal that is all inclusive, If we don’t get a fair deal, we will have to do whatever is necessary to maintain competitiveness. That is not a threat – it is just a statement of the bleeding obvious”......

Add to this the possibility that the UK will just present the EU team a empty chair and the possible economic ramifications of such a action. Veto and EU budgetary stalemate could ensue... ....

describing its future role as a defender of free trade and globalisation

Little Englandism is a funny way to show it.