Japan wants us to extend the Brexit transition period because it wants a good deal.

The Japan Times called for an extension to allow both sides to conclude the complicated and wide-ranging agreement.

They’re dealing with the cancellation of the Olympics and the Coronavirus - they just do not have the capacity to also negotiate a free trade agreement with us.

An FTA with Japan is crucial for British automotive manufacturing, and our economy as a whole. It was Japan that ensured Nissan kept its factories and jobs in Britain after we left the EU.

It’s not reasonable to expect other nations to prioritise negotiations with us. The world should be focused on defeating the pandemic. Sign our petition if you agree.

We are not just set to end 2020 without free trade with the EU. We will no longer participate in the EU’s free trade agreements with the rest of the world.

It strengthens our negotiating position with Japan to extend the transition period. We will be a much more attractive trading partner if we have a comprehensive agreement with our closest allies.

The arbitrary Brexit timetable will limit what both Japan and the UK can achieve. And it will harm global trade at a time of international crisis. Global Britain needs partnerships across the planet if it’s going to bounce back, and that means extending transition.

EU and UK negotiations have rightly halted as we tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. If the UK asks for an extension, this will give us and Japan time to get the best deal for everyone.

We have a chance to do the right thing and lead the way in international co-operation. That starts with securing an extension to give the world some breathing room.

Best wishes,

Naomi Smith
CEO, Best for Britain