We must extend transition. 

The UK cannot weather two economic shocks simultaneously. We cannot fight on two fronts. 

A recent poll by YouGov shows over half of people want to extend the transition period – and even a third of Leave voters agree. 

The Government is rightly focusing all its energy in tackling the pandemic. We simply do not have the capacity to negotiate and implement a comprehensive deal with the EU at the same time. 

We should not accept anything less than a deal that works for everyone. Why compromise our response to either Brexit or COVID-19 simply to adhere to an arbitrary timetable? 

We must concentrate the entirety of our resources in facing this pandemic head-on. We’ve seen countless examples of communities coming together to help in this difficult time. Surely, we can help ourselves and tackle one crisis at a time.

To follow the economic shockwave of coronavirus with a bad deal would be disastrous and unnecessary. Many of our most vulnerable industries, from small businesses in seaside towns to major manufacturers may never recover.

This is now about so much more than Brexit. We are living through unprecedented and unpredictable times. People from all sides of the political spectrum are waking up to the fact we must extend transition - including 40% of Conservative voters. 

Now is not the time to stick to an outdated timetable: it’s time to work together as a nation.

Together, let’s do what we can to help the UK get through this, and let’s extend transition.

Best wishes, 

Naomi Smith
CEO, Best for Britain

P.S. Through these challenging times, I am so grateful that committed supporters like you have remained. Please, look after yourselves, your families and your communities – thank you.