Dear John,

We don’t have much time.

You may have seen our petition. 

We are urgently calling for the Brexit transition period to be extended until after we’ve dealt with the Coronavirus pandemic - you can sign it here.

We cannot tackle this global crisis while simultaneously trying to replace all our existing trading relationships. It’s not reasonable to expect the UK, or any other nation, to prioritise trade talks while the world is on lockdown. We must request an extension by the end of June.

But our petition can only get us so far.  We need to spread this message, while there’s still time. We need your help. 

Millions of people read local newspapers, and the letters section is often the most read after the front page. Would you consider writing to your local newspaper in support of our campaign? Complete our survey and let us know if you can help.

All you need to do is copy and paste our template letter, which you will find at the bottom of this email, and sent it to your local paper by email. You might not even have to have your name and address published – check your local paper for more information.

The email address you need will be printed on the letters page of your paper and should also be available on their website.

We’ve already seen many letters from Best for Britain supporters published in newspapers across the country. From Derby to Wales, they’ve been pouring in. If we can keep them coming, we can start to shape the national conversation.

You can be sure your MP reads your local paper. It’s crucial they realise their constituents want the transition period extended, especially if they’re a Conservative MP.

Hearing from real people like you is the most persuasive way we can get the message out there. Nothing beats grassroots activism. Your help would be invaluable to us.

Best wishes, 

Cary Mitchell
Head of Campaigns, Best for Britain

P.S. Below is the template letter to the editor of your local paper. Just copy and paste it into a new email and send it on, or alter the letter to suit your tone. Your local paper's email address should be available online, or printed on their letters page.

As always, I very much hope you and your family are safe and well. Thank you. 

To the Editor, 

I absolutely support the government’s mantra that we will do ‘Whatever It Takes’.  Which is why I’m supporting Best for Britain’s campaign to extend the Brexit transition period. 

It’s not reasonable to expect the government to secure a new free trade deal with the EU while dealing with a deadly situation on our shores. Extending gives us time to focus on the pandemic now and work out a deal with Europe later. 

 We are facing a crisis that transcends traditional politics. Nearly half of Conservative voters agree that transition must be extended in the face of this pandemic according to recent polling by Best for Britain.

NHS England confirmed resources they put aside for No Deal have already been released to tackle the virus. If we cannot get a comprehensive deal in time, how will we weather the double whammy of No Deal and a global pandemic? 

We cannot control the timing of the virus outbreak. But we do have control of our transition timetable. And we can be sure we did everything in our power to save lives. 

Yours sincerely,

[Your name and address]