For those of you who are writing to me under the Best for Britain campaign, I believe that a future partnership between the UK and the EU is in the interests of both sides. As the Prime Minister has explained, a good deal for Britain and a good deal for Europe are not competing alternatives and they are not mutually exclusive. I want to make it absolutely clear, however, that I do not want or expect an outcome with no deal.
A responsible government should, of course, prepare for all eventualities and this is exactly what my ministerial colleagues are doing. This includes the unlikely scenario where no agreement can be reached.
Whatever the outcome of the negotiations, I am determined to make the most of the opportunities that leaving the EU presents. We are a global nation and we will be making new trade deals with countries from around the world.
