Missed...

Opportunity to extend transition not taken

Today, the government missed a huge opportunity to do the thing right. The UK has officially missed the deadline to seek an extension to the transition period.

This means the UK will end the transition period in December with or without a trade deal. The government believes they have an 'oven-ready' deal. Well, we know it's not usually as easy as that at the best of times. These are not the best of times. It's our job to make sure the UK doesn't fall out of the transition period without a deal or a plan. We can do it, with your help John.

Brexit has been done, we're no longer an EU member. Britain needs the best trade deal possible with our European neighbours. We need to stand firm to our principles and keep food, welfare and workplace standards high. And we need to make sure businesses, EU27 citizens in the UK and UK citizens in Europe can all prepare for the new systems.

Let’s do everything in our power to avoid leaving without a deal at the end of this year. Join us in protecting the UK from a second, massive crisis. We've stopped 'no deal' before. Help us do it again.

John, I want to talk to you about persuasion.

If the Government will listen to one thing, it’s the voters who won them the 2019 election. They'll need to keep hold of their votes to stay in power next time. That's why we've been highlighting the opinion of 'Red Wall' voters in our recent reports. It's why the opinions of those voters are important to MPs from all parties - it's the battleground for the next few years of politics.

Our recent polling shows it is in the Government’s self-interest to extend transition, secure a trade deal with Europe, and keep these areas on-side. In addition to the economic reasons to extend, it is their electoral prospects which will grab Cummings' and Johnson's attention.

That’s why I’ve come to you, John, with a request. MRP polling, which is able to accurately segment and analyse voters’ opinions, is complicated and expensive. Your donation would allow us to keep funding polling like this. It’s the only way to persuade the Government to do what’s right. It's become the gold standard and we've got good at it.

We recently showed 90% of voters in Red Wall seats, leavers or remainers, want a trade deal, 70% prioritise a European trade deal, and 60% fear the cost of daily essentials will rise without one. Our findings surprised many MPs. We need to keep showing them the facts.