I don't know the details of the British positions on our future 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 fact 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 ratification 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.
