I wouldn't say that this was a move to make them look strong. Its a plain reminder to British decision makers as well as people that there will be economic cons

I wouldn't say that this was a move to make them look strong. Its a plain reminder to British decision makers as well as people that there will be economic consequences if they decide to leave the single market. This is not a threat - pure and simple, companies that operate from the UK now will have a harder time post-exit.