2nd LD Writethru: EU leaders say "no single market a la carte" for UK

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Wednesday that leaders of the 27 non-UK European Union countries have agreed not to grant Britain access to the bloc's single market if Britain does not accept EU rules on the free movement of people.

"Leaders made it crystal clear today that access to the single market requires acceptance of all four freedoms, including freedom of movement," Tusk told a news conference following a two-day summit of EU leaders.

Tusk's remarks were echoed by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

"Those wanting access to our single market must implement the four freedoms without exceptions and without nuances," Juncker said.

EU leaders also reiterated that Britain's exit must be "orderly" and that there would be no negotiations of any kind until Britain formally notifies the European Council of its intention to withdraw.

"It is up to the British government to notify the European Council of the UK's intentions to withdraw from the EU," Tusk said.

Wednesday's summit was the first meeting of European leaders without their British counterpart in 41 years. Tusk said the discussion was "calm and serious," admitting it was "a serious moment in our common history."

"Certainly one issue is clear from our debate. Leaders are absolutely determined to remain united and work closely together as 27 (member states)," Tusk said.

In what was likely his last EU summit on Tuesday, Cameron, who resigned after Britain's historic vote, conveyed the outcome of Britain's referendum to his colleagues and said the task of triggering the official divorce procedure would be left to his successor.

Britain still wants a "close relationship" with the EU after the vote and seeks to secure access to the bloc's single market as the EU accounts for almost half of Britain's exports. However, it aims to restrict free movement of people into the country.

Britons voted to leave the EU by 52 percent to 48 percent last week. Endit