Dear John,

UK-EU negotiations resumed yesterday.

The deadline to secure an extension is just next month.

But the UK still claims it will not agree to an extension to the Brexit transition timetable, even if the EU requests one.

After the last round of talks, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said progress had been disappointing – and the UK agreed there had only been "limited progress". Complex and contentious issues like aviation, fishing quotas and ‘level playing field’ commitments have yet to be overcome.  

We’re hurtling towards a no deal by the end of the year - unless we extend by 30^th June, and give the UK and the EU time to negotiate properly.

 We’ve already had over 40,000 signatures on our petition urgently calling for an extension to be obtained. But time is short. So please, sign the petition before it’s too late.

Conducting intricate international trade talks through video calls is far from ideal. All the nuance, the personal connection and the subtlety which smooths such negotiations will be lost. We’re playing with a serious handicap.

The UK will be in a much stronger position if talks can be done in person, after coronavirus has been tackled, and without the looming threat of a no deal. 

Our country has the opportunity to secure a brilliant new relationship with Europe, based on co-operation, mutual aid and respect in the wake of this global pandemic. But, if we stick to an outdated and arbitrary timeline, we’ve got one hand tied behind out backs. 

Let’s give ourselves more time, improve our odds, and extend the transition period. Sign the petition and urge the Government to secure an extension.

This week sees the penultimate round of EU-UK talks before the June summit, with neither side sounding confident on the progress made or the task ahead. It’s looking increasingly unlikely any sort of deal will be decided by the end of the current transition period.

As glimmers of hope emerge, and the world begins to look to a future after coronavirus, the UK should not jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Best wishes,

Naomi Smith
CEO, Best for Britain