Dear John,

We should “not be going for a deal at any price”, says the Chancellor.

Yet he seems more than willing to sacrifice public sector workers on the altar of a hard Brexit.

The government tells us difficult decisions must be made to offset the damage of COIVD, like slashing public sector pay. Yet the government has found the money for a £29 million ‘Festival of Brexit’.

More to the point, our research shows a no deal end to the transition period will create a double whammy hit to the economy alongside COVID. The UK only needs to compromise on a few areas, like fishing and state aid, and a recovery-boosting deal is in reach.

What does it say about a government that sees teachers as expendable, but fish as sacrosanct? What price is too high to pay for the Chancellor?

EU and UK teams have set themselves a new deadline of 1 December. That’s in a week’s time. EU member states have ruled out sitting over the Christmas break to ratify a deal. It’s now or never. Send a message to your MP, and tell them to push for the deal we were promised.

Tomorrow’s Spending Review will highlight the unprecedent economic damage COVID has wrought on the UK. While the Chancellor claims the impact of a no deal exit pales in comparison, our research proves these are compounding crises.

Our report, published earlier this year, shows a no deal end to transition will create a double-hit recession, and disproportionately impact Northern and Midlands regions of the UK. You can read our full report here.

Our economy is set to shrink by more than 10%. Adding to that disrupted trade with our closest ally, elevated cost of living and sky-high tariffs would be madness.

Instead of freezing the pay of essential public sector staff, like teachers and social workers, the government should reach the deal with Europe they promised us. 

Write to your MP, and demand he deliver a deal which will help our COVID recovery. Now is the time to compromise, negotiate and conciliate.

Negotiations resume face-to-face on Thursday, after members of the EU negotiating team had to self-isolate. Send your message now, before negotiations begin again.

Barnier has said a deal is “in reach”. He recognises the UK and the EU are not adversaries. We are partners, trying to forge a new economic and diplomatic relationship.

The government must put aside these backward notions of brinkmanship and secure a deal which will help the UK recover from COVID.

Best wishes,

Naomi Smith, 
CEO, Best for Britain