特蕾莎·梅的辞职演讲稿

　　Ever since I first stepped through the door behind me as Prime Minister, I have striven to make the UK a country that works not just for a privileged few but for everyone, and to honour the result of the EU referendum.

　　Theresa May这次是在唐宁街10号(英国首相官邸)门口发表演讲，first stepped through the door behind me as prime minister即“作为首相第一次入主唐宁街10号”，a privileged few是一个固定说法，意思是“享有特权的少数人”。

　　Back in 2016 we gave the British people a choice. Against all predictions the British people voted to leave the EU. I feel as certain today as I did three years ago that in a democracy if you give people a choice you have a duty to implement what they decide. I have done my best to do that.

　　I negotiated the terms of our exit and a new relationship with our closest neighbours that protects jobs, our security and our union. I have done everything I can to convince MPs to back that deal. Sadly I have not been able to do so. I tried three times.

　　I believe it was right to persevere even when the odds against successseemed high. But it is now clear to me that it is in the best interests of the country for a new Prime Minister to lead that effort. So I am today announcing that I will resign as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party on Friday, June 7, so that a successor can be chosen.

　　the odds against something意思是“某事情不会成功的机率”，例如：The odds against his winning the race are high. 他赢得比赛的概率不高。要表达相反的意思可以说The odds in favor of something; it is in the best interests of XX to do something是一个固定句式，意思是“做某事对XX最有利”。

　　I have agreed with the party chairman, and the chairman of the 1922 Committee, that the process for electing a new leader should begin in the following week.

　　the 1922 Committee即“1922委员会”，这是指英国保守党在国会下议院的议会党团。

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　　It is why the race disparity audit and gender pay reporting are shining a light on inequality so it has nowhere to hide. 这就是为什么种族差异审查以及性别薪酬报告正将不平等现象公之于众，这样它才无处藏身。Shine a light on something字面意思是“将光线打在……之上”，这与后面的nowhere to hide形成对应，此外，它还有引申用法“将……公之于众”。Shine a light on inequality在这里有一语双关的意味。

　　Because this country is a union, not just a family of four nations. But a union of people. All of us. Whatever our background, the colour of our skin or who we love, we stand together. And together, we have a great future.

　　这里对together进行了重复，强调了团结的重要性。

　　Our politics may be under strain, but there is so much that is good about this country. So much to be proud of. So much to be optimistic about.

　　I will shortly leave the job that has been the honour of my life to hold.

　　The second female Prime Minister, but certainly not the last.

　　I do so with no ill will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love.