He chose to use the famous quote from Margaret Thatcher to remind the UK of its financial responsibility towards the EU and said that now "we, Europeans, say to the British: We want our money back". He also warned the UK that the Brexit bill needed to be settled before any trade talks could start. Le Maire is quoted in the article, addressing the UK government directly by saying "you have launched a number of policies, you promised to pay, now you have to pay". He also used an example of someone going to the restaurant, eating the meal they ordered and then just leaving without paying the bill. 

The article in French: Brexit: "We want our money back", lance Paris à Londres

 

Sourcing and translation by European Movement International