"It is the firm policy of the government that we will not extend the transition period. If asked, we will not take it."

The Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union met yesterday.

David Frost, the UK’s Chief Negotiator, confirmed the UK is still on a path to economic disaster by the end of the year.

Refusing to consider extending the transition period, even if our negotiating partners asked for it in this moment of global crisis, is unthinkably reckless and selfish.

It risks burdening the already weak economy with an unnecessary no-deal and ensures British businesses will pay the price.

With only weeks to request an extension to the transition period, this was a rare chance to hold the Government to account. We need to make the most of the time we have left. Use our tool to contact your MP directly and tell them why we need an extension.

Frost admitted members of his negotiation team had been redeployed to tackle Covid-19. And Hilary Benn asked Gove for written evidence on how many civil servants have been moved away from working on Covid-19 to focus on Brexit. 

This is yet more evidence the UK, by attempting to handle two issues at once, risks doing a bad job of both.

Gove and Frost were also asked how the Government would ensure sufficient time for businesses to adapt to new trading conditions after 31st December 2020. 

There are still so many questions left to ask, and little time left to ask them. How does the Government expect our communities to be able to weather the two combined external shocks of no deal and Covid-19? And what will your MP do to help them? Ask your MP today.

We have just weeks left until the deadline to request an extension is up. It’s down to us to make that time count.  

Best wishes,

Cary Mitchell
Head of Campaigns, Best for Britain