I don't know the details of the British positions on our fu
ture partnership. I certainly don't want to jump to conclusions. But I know that you will be vigilant - as I will - to ensure that any trade agreement with the United Kingdom will guarantee fair competition and the protections we regard as essential. In fac
t it is vital if we want to maintain the unity of the 27 and, when the time comes, when we conclude a free trade agreement, a free and fair agreement, successfully submit the treaty underpinning our future relationship for r
...[+++]atification by the European Parliament and the parliaments of the 27 Member States.
C'est d'ailleurs une nécessité – je me permets de le rappeler en passant – si nous voulons maintenir l'unité des 27 et si nous voulons, le moment venu, lorsque nous aurons conclu plus tard cet accord de libre-échange, "free and fair agreement", si nous voulons soumettre avec succès le traité sur notre future relation à la ratification non seulement du Parlement européen mais aussi des parlements des 27 Etats membres, en ce qui nous concerne.