United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – Communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic
Paris, 10 February 2009
The Elysée has contacted Downing Street to confirm to Prime Minister Gordon Brown that President Sarkozy deplored the way his comments on the British economy were reported in the United Kingdom.
President Sarkozy reiterated his huge personal respect for Mr Gordon Brown, and in particular for the catalyst role he played in framing a common response to the crisis we are currently going through. Moreover, President Sarkozy and Prime Minister Brown have worked together closely to help develop a European response to a global economic crisis.
France and the United Kingdom are acting in pursuit of the same goal: last October both countries adopted the necessary measures to recapitalize their banking systems and took the decision to use additional budgetary spending to stimulate their economies, thereby rejecting the argument of those who think we should do nothing and simply wait for the recession to end.
France and the United Kingdom are now working closely together on the next stage of our joint response: restoring credit to individuals and businesses. President Sarkozy has confirmed how eager he is to continue working closely with Prime Minister Brown in the coming months and years./.