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Theresa May has shattered the illusions of pro-Brexit colleagues by admitting Britain could continue to pump cash into the European Union.

Speaking at the G20 summit in China, the Prime Minister also suggested there would be no injection of extra cash for the NHS.

And she dismissed talk of points-based immigration – which was at the heart of Vote Leave’s manifesto.

Foreign Secretary and leading Brexiteer Boris Johnson has urged the PM to ensure we stop paying into the EU budget after we leave.

But several nations outside the bloc, including Norway and Switzerland, pay annual fees in return for access to the single market.

Asked if she would rule this out, Mrs May said: “What we’re doing is making our preparations before we trigger Article 50 and go into the formal negotiations. I’m not going to give away my negotiating hand.”

(Image: Barcroft Media)

And asked if she would meet Vote Leave commitments including boosting the NHS, she said only: “I’m going to work for the best possible deal for the UK, in terms of the relationship we have with the EU following us leaving.”

Labour MP Chuka Umunna, who chairs Vote Leave Watch, slammed Brexiteers and then ripped into the PM – who was a “reluctant Remainer” in the referendum campaign.

(Image: Getty)

He said: “It’s clear few of their pledges were worth the paper they were written on. Theresa May cannot be let off either.

"After barely campaigning for Remain, our unelected PM now dismisses policies like increasing spending on the NHS, which people voted on in good faith.”

Mrs May appearing to sink hopes of points-based immigration will also come as a bitter blow to Brexiteers.

The PM said: “One of the issues is whether points-based systems work. There is no single silver bullet that is the answer.”

Meanwhile, the PM has ordered security chiefs to review the threat posed by Chinese investment here as she considers cancelling the £18billion Beijing-backed Hinkley Point nuclear plant.